Method and apparatus for enabling a player to select features on a gaming device

ABSTRACT

In accordance with one or more embodiments, a method for activating features for use on gaming devices is presented, wherein the method comprises displaying a plurality of indications of features to a player, receiving an indication of a player selection of at least one feature, and activating the at least one feature on the gaming device. In one or more embodiments, a measure of performance may be used to determine whether to make a feature available for selection by a player.

The present Application claims the benefit of:

-   -   (i) U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/373,761 filed        Apr. 18, 2002, entitled “METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ENABLING A        PLAYER TO SELECT FEATURES ON A GAME MACHINE”, the entirety of        which is incorporated by reference herein for all purposes; and        also    -   (ii) U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/374,343 filed        Apr. 19, 2002, entitled “GAMING DEVICE METHODS AND APPARATUS        EMPLOYING FEATURE MANAGEMENT”, the entirety of which is        incorporated by reference herein for all purposes.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present Application is related to the following commonly-owned,co-pending U.S. Patent Applications:

-   -   (i) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/603,677, filed Jun. 26,        2000, entitled “METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SELECTING A        SUPPLEMENTAL PRODUCT TO OFFER FOR SALE DURING A TRANSACTION”,        the entirety of which is incorporated by reference herein for        all purposes;    -   (ii) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/993,228, filed Nov. 14,        2001, entitled “METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DYNAMIC RULE AND/OR        OFFER GENERATION”, the entirety of which is incorporated by        reference herein for all purposes;    -   (iii) U.S. Reissue application Ser. No. 10/222,523, filed Aug.        16, 2002, entitled “GAMING DEVICE FOR OPERATING IN A REVERSE        PAYOUT MODE AND A METHOD OF OPERATING SAME”, the entirety of        which is incorporated by reference herein for all purposes;    -   (iv) U.S. application Ser. No. 09/879,299, filed Jun. 12, 2001,        entitled “SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR AUTOMATED PLAY OF MULTIPLE        GAMING DEVICES”, the entirety of which is incorporated by        reference herein for all purposes;    -   (v) U.S. application Ser. No. 10/121,243, filed Apr. 11, 2002,        entitled “METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR FACILITATING PLAY AT A GAMING        DEVICE BY MEANS OF THIRD PARTY OFFERS”, the entirety of which is        incorporated by reference herein for all purposes;    -   (vi) U.S. application Ser. No. ______, [Attorney Docket No.        02-021] filed concurrently herewith, entitled “GAMING DEVICE        METHODS AND APPARATUS EMPLOYING MODIFIED PAYOUTS”, the entirety        of which is incorporated by reference herein for all purposes;    -   (vii) U.S. application Ser. No. ______, [Attorney Docket No.        02-010] filed Apr. 16, 2003, entitled “METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR        OPTIMIZING THE RATE OF PLAY OF A GAMING DEVICE”, the entirety of        which is incorporated by reference herein for all purposes;    -   (viii) U.S. application Ser. No. 10/361,201, filed Feb. 7, 2003,        entitled “GAMING DEVICE AND METHOD OF OPERATION THEREOF”, the        entirety of which is incorporated by reference herein for all        purposes;    -   (ix) U.S. application Ser. No. ______, [Attorney Docket No.        02-014] filed Apr. 15, 2003, entitled “METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR        BONUS ROUND PLAY”, the entirety of which is incorporated by        reference herein for all purposes;    -   (x) U.S. application Ser. No. 10/328,116, filed Dec. 20, 2002,        entitled “METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR OUTPUTTING OUTCOMES OF A        GAMING DEVICE”, the entirety of which is incorporated by        reference herein for all purposes;    -   (xi) U.S. application Ser. No. 10/254,831, filed Sep. 25, 2002,        entitled “METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR LINED PLAY GAMING”, the        entirety of which is incorporated by reference herein for all        purposes;    -   (xii) U.S. application Ser. No. 10/007,874, filed Nov. 12, 2001,        entitled “ELECTRONIC AMUSEMENT DEVICE AND METHOD FOR PROPAGATING        A PERFORMANCE ADJUSTMENT SIGNAL”, the entirety of which is        incorporated by reference herein for all purposes; and    -   (xiii) U.S. application Ser. No. 10/322,107, filed Dec. 18,        2002, entitled “FREE LONG DISTANCE CALLS ON SLOT MACHINES”, the        entirety of which is incorporated by reference herein for all        purposes.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates generally to methods and apparatus formanaging features of games and of gaming devices.

Gaming devices (e.g., reeled slot machines, video poker machines, videokeno machines, video blackjack, and video bingo machines) generate morethan $15 billion per year in revenue for casinos in the United Statesalone. This figure accounts for more than half of the gaming revenue fora typical United States casino. The situation is similar in othercountries in which gaming devices are popular, such as Australia.Accordingly, casino operators and other operators of gaming devices areinterested in increasing the enjoyment of playing gaming devices inorder to maintain or increase this level of revenue.

The operation of a gaming device and/or of a game may be affected byvarious parameters, options, and other features enabled for use on thegaining device. Such features can be used by a casino (or by a player)to enhance various aspects of a player's experience at a gaming device.For example, a feature may be used on a gaming device to affect how thegaming device interacts with players, to alter a mode of operation of agame, to change how information is communicated to a player, or tomodify the types of offers that can be made to a player at the gamingdevice.

A variety of features may be available to casino operators for enablingon gaming devices, and one or more features may be enabled for use on agaming device at any given time. Accordingly, a player may be able toselect from among several features available on a gaming devices.

To date, however, little if any attention has been paid as to how ownersand operators of gaming devices may determine which features (orcombinations of features) and/or games (or combinations of games) tomake available on a gaming device, such as may provide the mostsatisfying entertainment experience for players, best promote the use ofa gaming device, increase revenues of a gaming device, or lead toincreased profitability of a gaming device.

Further, little if any attention has been paid as to how availablefeatures may be presented to players for selection on a gaming device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1A is a flowchart depicting an exemplary process consistent withone or more embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 1B is a flowchart depicting an exemplary process consistent withone or more embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 1C is a flowchart depicting an exemplary process consistent withone or more embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 1D is a flowchart depicting an exemplary process consistent withone or more embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 2A is a block diagram of an exemplary system consistent with one ormore embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 2B is a block diagram of another exemplary system consistent withone or more embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an exemplary computer consistent with oneor more embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an exemplary gaming device consistent withone or more embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a table illustrating an exemplary data structure of a featuredatabase consistent with one or more embodiments of the presentinvention.

FIG. 6 is a table illustrating an exemplary data structure of acondition database consistent with one or more embodiments of thepresent invention.

FIG. 7 is a table illustrating an exemplary data structure of a gamingdevice database consistent with one or more embodiments of the presentinvention.

FIG. 8 is a table illustrating an exemplary data structure of a playerdatabase consistent with one or more embodiments of the presentinvention.

FIG. 9A is a table illustrating an exemplary data structure of aperformance database consistent with one or more embodiments of thepresent invention.

FIG. 9B is a table illustrating another exemplary data structure of aperformance database consistent with one or more embodiments of thepresent invention.

FIG. 9C is a table illustrating another exemplary data structure of aperformance database consistent with one or more embodiments of thepresent invention.

FIGS. 9D-9E is a table illustrating another exemplary data structure ofa performance database consistent with one or more embodiments of thepresent invention.

FIG. 10 is a table illustrating exemplary data structure of an alternatepayout database consistent with one or more embodiments of the presentinvention.

FIGS. 11A-11K are plan views of exemplary gaming devices consistent withat least one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present application relates generally to allowing for playerselection of features that enhance the operation of gaming devicesand/or features that enhance the operation of one or more availablegames.

In accordance with various embodiments of the present invention, theoperation of a gaming device (and/or of a game provided on the gamingdevice) may be affected by various parameters, options, and otherfeatures enabled for use on the gaming device. As discussed herein, suchfeatures may enhance various aspects of a player's experience at thegaming device. For example, a feature may be used on a gaming device toalter a mode of operation of the gaming device (e.g., to alter a mode ofoperation of a game, to change how information is communicated to aplayer, to modify how payouts are determined for a player (e.g., bychanging a payout table for a game), or to modify the types of offersthat can be made to a player at the gaming device.

Applicants have recognized that, in some embodiments, players may findit appealing to be able to activate one or more features on a gamingdevice. Applicants have recognized that, in some embodiments, playersmay find it appealing to be able to activate one or more features on agaming device using an interface displayed (e.g., on a display device)at the gaming device. Applicants have further recognized that, in someembodiments, players may find it appealing to have visual and/or audiocues output at a gaming device that indicate to the players varioustypes of information, including, but not limited to: (i) what featuresare enabled for use on the gaming device (erg., what features areavailable for selection by the player), (ii) what features are currentlyactive on the gaming device (e.g., which features have been selected bythe player, which features are currently affecting operation of thegaming device), and (iii) other types of information about features(e.g., a profit that a player could have made had a feature beenenabled, prizes won by other players using a feature).

Applicants have further recognized that, in some embodiments, playersmay benefit from a display device operable to display an area containinggame information and at least one area containing information related toone or more features available and/or active on a gaming device.

Applicants have also recognized that, in some embodiments, players maybenefit from receiving information about one or more features. Forexample, some players may find it appealing to receive a description ofa feature. In another example, some players may find it appealing toreceive information about how past play could have been affected if oneor more features had been active (e.g., an amount the player could havewon if a particular feature had been enabled). In another example, sometypes of players may find it appealing to receive information about theuse of a feature by another player (e.g., information about a prize thatanother player won while a feature was active).

Applicants have recognized that, in some embodiments, operators ofgaming devices may benefit from being able to determine which of aplurality of features to enable for use on a gaming device. Applicantshave also recognized that, in some embodiments, operators of gamingdevices may benefit from being able to determine which of a plurality offeatures to present at a gaming device for selection by a player.

Applicants have recognized that, in some embodiments, operators ofgaming devices may find it appealing to be able to take advantage ofmethods and apparatus for determining which features (or combinations offeatures) to enable for use on one or more gaming devices. For example,some types of operators may find it appealing to be able to determinewhich one or more features of a plurality of features are likely to bemost appealing to players, to increase revenues of a gaming device,and/or to increase profitability of a gaming device.

Applicants have recognized that owners and operators of gaming devicesmay benefit from being able to determine various measures of theperformance of a feature. For example, an indication of an amount thatan enabled feature has been used on slot machine, or an indication ofhow much revenue was taken in at a gaming device at which the feature isenabled, may be useful in managing one or more features on a gamingdevice (e.g., in determining whether to make a feature available forselection by a player on a gaming device). In another example, bytracking information related to use of a gaming device, an increasedprofitability of the gaming device may be correlated to one or morefeatures enabled at the gaming device.

Applicants have also recognized that enhancing the operation of a gamingdevice by enabling and/or disabling the use of one or more particularfeatures (or combinations of features) on the gaming device may serve todistinguish the gaming device, and may provide a more satisfyingentertainment experience to players, thus attracting more players tosuch a gaming device.

Applicants have also recognized that, in some embodiments, modifying theexperience of a player at a gaming device, such as by enabling and/ordisabling the use of one or more particular features with the gamingdevice, may serve to increase the player's use of the gaming device,leading to increased revenues for owners and operators of gamingdevices, and may increase the profitability of the gaming device.

Applicants have also recognized that, in some embodiments, modifying theexperience of a player at a gaming device, such as by enabling and/ordisabling the use of one or more particular features with the gamingdevice, may serve to increase the player's use of the gaming device,leading to increased revenues for owners and operators of gamingdevices, and may increase the profitability of the gaming device.

Applicants have further recognized that manufacturers, owners, andoperators of gaming devices may benefit from a degree of flexibility indetermining which of a plurality features are available for use on agaming device and/or are represented at a gaming device as available forselection by a player. Applicants have also recognized thatmanufacturers, owners, and operators of gaming devices may find itappealing to have a feature automatically enabled or disabled on agaming device and/or to have the feature automatically displayed to aplayer at a gaming device for selection, in accordance with variouspredetermined conditions.

Accordingly, the present invention comprises systems and methods forenabling the activation by a player of various features on a gamingdevice. In accordance with one or more embodiments, a feature is enabledfor use on a gaming device, and an indication of the feature isdisplayed at the gaming device. In some embodiments, a player selectionof the feature at the gaming device is also determined, and the featureis activated on the gaming device.

For example, according to an exemplary embodiment, a player approachesone of the slot machines and inserts his player tracking card. The slotmachine then displays a “Features Menu” on a touch screen of the slotmachine. The menu includes a list of six different categories offeatures available to the player on the slot machine: (i) “Team play”,(ii) “Bigger Jackpots”, (iii) “Longer Game Play”, (iv) “Most Popular”,(v) “Most Profitable”, and (vi) “Virtual Assistant”.

The player touches the “Most Popular” entry listed on the touch screento select the “Most Popular” category of features. In response, the slotmachine displays a list of items in a “Most Popular Menu”. The new listincludes several entries corresponding to the most popular features thatcan be used on the player's slot machine, including: (i) “Change symbolson reels of slot machine”, (ii) “Reverse payout mode”, (iii) “Speed upgame play, (iv) “Auto-Play”, and (v) “Jackpot Only”.

The player chooses the “Change symbols on reels of slot machine” bytouching the displayed menu item on the touch screen, and is able toselect new symbols to display on the reels of the slot machine. Theplayer decides to change the cherry symbol to a shamrock for good luck,and presses a virtual “OK” button on the touch screen, when prompted bythe slot machine, to confirm the change. After changing the reel symbol,the text “Change Reel Symbol” is displayed in an area labeled “ActiveFeatures” on the touch screen. The player then touches a virtual “BACK”button displayed on the touch screen and returns to the “Most PopularMen” screen to select a different type of feature. Selecting the“Virtual Assistant” feature, the player chooses a cartoon character toguide him through playing games on the slot machine. Afterward, the text“Virtual Assistant” is also displayed in the “Active Features” displayarea.

After activating the “Change Reel Symbol” and “Virtual Assistant”features, the player starts playing the slot machine by pressing a“SPIN” button. The player makes several spins. The player then decidesto deactivate “Virtual Assistant” feature, and touches the “VirtualAssistant” item displayed in the “Active Features” display area todeactivate the feature.

Game play may then commence, but the player can go back at any time torevise which features he uses (e.g., by pressing a ‘FEATURES’ button inthe corner of the touch screen).

A feature, as used herein unless expressly indicated otherwise,comprises an enhancement, option, parameter, or mode that may affect howa gaming device operates and/or may affect how a game operates on agaming device. A feature (e.g., a virtual assistant enhancement, anenhancement allowing a player to make telephone calls at a gamingdevice) may be contrasted with a game (e.g., a video poker game), whichmay be affected by a feature (e.g., by allowing for a virtual assistantin a video poker game).

Features may affect various operations of a game and/or a gaming device,such as the way a game is played, the way play of a game and/orinformation about a game are displayed, the way outcomes are determinedin a game, and the way information about outcomes are displayed orotherwise communicated to a player. Reference may be made herein to someexemplary features for illustrative purposes; however, the operations ofvarious games and gaming devices with one or more features in use may bedependent on the specific feature or active features, and may not bedescribed in detail herein. Examples of features include, but are notlimited to:

-   -   (i) Features that enhance play of a gaming device by modifying a        payout mode of the gaming device. A reverse payout mode which is        appropriate for enhancing the operation of a gaming device in        accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention        is disclosed in U.S. Reissue application Ser. No. 10/222,523,        filed Aug. 16, 2002, entitled “GAMING DEVICE FOR OPERATING IN A        REVERSE PAYOUT MODE AND A METHOD OF OPERATING SAME”, the        entirety of which is incorporated by reference herein for all        purposes.    -   (ii) Features that affect the operation of a gaming device by        allowing for the allocation of wagers by players. For example,        an activated feature may allow a player to divide an initial        wager into a number of pieces designated by the player, with        each wager portion corresponding to a uniquely determined        outcome and payout. The size of the payouts may be adjusted by        the size of the wager portion, or the probability of a winning        outcome appearing could be correspondingly lowered.    -   (iii) Features that provide for automated play of one or more        gaming devices in which the player is able to pre-pay for a        series of reel spins and then watch as the slot machine        determines outcomes for each spin without the need for the        player to pull a handle or depress a spin button. A feature        enhancing the operation of a gaming device to provide for        automated play of one or more gaming devices is disclosed in        U.S. application Ser. No. 09/879,299, filed Jun. 12, 2001,        entitled “SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR AUTOMATED PLAY OF MULTIPLE        GAMING DEVICES”, the entirety of which is incorporated by        reference herein for all purposes.    -   (iv) Features that allow for an offer to be presented to a        player at a gaming device. Offers could include discounts at        casino restaurants or showrooms, free hotel room nights, and the        like. Offers could include a payment to a player in return for        an action such as buying a pair of show tickets, providing a        source of gambling funds for the player and incremental business        for other casino revenue centers (e.g. hotel, restaurants,        show). A feature enhancing the operation of a gaming device in        order to allow for one or more offers to be presented to a        player at a gaming device, is disclosed in U.S. application Ser.        No. 10/121,243, filed Apr. 11, 2002, entitled “METHODS AND        SYSTEMS FOR FACILITATING PLAY AT A GAMING DEVICE BY MEANS OF        THIRD PARTY OFFERS”, the entirety of which is incorporated by        reference herein for all purposes.    -   (v) Features that enhance the operation of a gaming device by        allowing the player to eliminate the payouts associated with a        set of outcomes in exchange for a reduced cost per play (e.g.,        at a cost less than a normal wager). For example, the player        could elect to buy one or more outcomes of a slot machine in        which only the top jackpot was enabled for payment—at a cost        significantly lower than the normal cost of a reel spin at that        gaming device. A gaming device which can be modified to pay only        top jackpot payouts is disclosed in U.S. application Ser. No.        ______, [Attorney Docket No. 02-021] filed concurrently        herewith, entitled “GAMING DEVICE METHODS AND APPARATUS        EMPLOYING MODIFIED PAYOUTS”, the entirety of which is        incorporated by reference herein for all purposes.    -   (vi) Features that enhance play of a gaming device by modifying        the rate at which outcomes are resolved based on actions of the        player. A feature affecting the operation of a gaming device by        decreasing the time it takes for the reels of the gaming device        to resolve to an outcome when player impatience is detected is        disclosed in U.S. application Ser. No. ______, [Attorney Docket        No. 02-010] filed Apr. 16, 2003, entitled “METHOD AND APPARATUS        FOR OPTIMIZING THE RATE OF PLAY OF A GAMING DEVICE”, the        entirety of which is incorporated by reference herein for all        purposes.    -   (vii) Features that enhance the operation of a gaming device by        allowing a player to modify at least one element of a gaming        device (or of a game). A feature enhancing the operation of a        gaming device by allowing a player to modify at least one        element of the gaming device in accordance with the present        invention is disclosed in U.S. application Ser. No. 10/361,201,        filed Feb. 7, 2003, entitled “GAMING DEVICE AND METHOD OF        OPERATION THEREOF”, the entirety of which is incorporated by        reference herein for all purposes.    -   (viii) Features that enhance the operation of a gaming device by        providing a tour or other demonstration of bonus round        functionality (e.g. instructions, strategies, payout amounts) on        the gaming device, such as are disclosed in U.S. application        Ser. No. ______, [Attorney Docket No. 02-014] filed Apr. 15,        2003, entitled “METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR BONUS ROUND PLAY”, the        entirety of which is incorporated by reference herein for all        purposes.    -   (ix) Features that affect operation of a game and/or a gaming        device, such as by having a virtual assistant (represented by an        animated game character appearing on the screen of the gaming        device) reveal an alternate outcome in a reeled slot machine        game, as are disclosed in U.S. application Ser. No. 10/328,116,        filed Dec. 20, 2002, entitled “METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR        OUTPUTTING OUTCOMES OF A GAMING DEVICE”, the entirety of which        is incorporated by reference herein for all purposes.    -   (x) Features providing enhancements of gaming devices such as        allowing linked play via gaming and other devices, such as are        disclosed in U.S. application Ser. No. 10/254,831, filed Sep.        25, 2002, entitled “METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR LINKED PLAY        GAMING”, the entirety of which is incorporated by reference        herein for all purposes.    -   (xi) Features that affect the operation of a nearby gaming        device, such as an embodiment in which the gaming devices        surrounding a gaming device that has recently been achieving a        lot of high paying outcomes have their own payout levels        temporarily increased, such as are disclosed in U.S. application        Ser. No. 10/007,874, filed Nov. 12, 2001, entitled “ELECTRONIC        AMUSEMENT DEVICE AND METHOD FOR PROPAGATING A PERFORMANCE        ADJUSTMENT SIGNAL”, the entirety of which is incorporated by        reference herein for all purposes.    -   (xii) Features that permit players access to services and/or        content at the gaming device (such as a gaming device that        allows players to make long distance phone calls provided that        they maintain a predetermined rate of play) such as are        disclosed in U.S. application Ser. No. 10/322,107, filed Dec.        18, 2002, entitled “FREE LONG DISTANCE CALLS ON SLOT MACHINES”,        the entirety of which is incorporated by reference herein for        all purposes.

Other appropriate features will be recognized by one of ordinary skillin the art after reading the present application. Note that a variety ofdifferent types of features are possible, including, without limitation:(i) features that are only available for one game, (ii) features thatare available for a plurality of games, (iii) features that are onlyavailable for use on one gaming device, (iv) features that are availablefor use on a plurality of gaming devices, (v) features that areavailable for use by one player, and (vi) features that are availablefor use by a plurality of players. For example, a feature may beavailable on slot machines and pachinko machines, but not on video pokermachines or video blackjack machines. In another example, a feature fora bonus mode may work on all types of machines, but be best suited forcard games like video blackjack and video poker.

According to some embodiments, multiple features may be enabled and/oractive simultaneously on a single game or gaming device. For example, aplayer may play a video poker machine using a “Group Jackpot” featureand a “Virtual Assistant” feature. According to other embodiments, afirst feature may not be compatible with a second feature. For example,it may not be possible for a first feature and a second feature to beactive concurrently (e.g., if they provide for mutually exclusive payoutmodes). Therefore, players may be prevented from using these featuressimultaneously.

According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, a featureof a game or of a gaming device may be enabled for use on one or moregaming devices. According to some embodiments of the present invention,enabling a feature for use on a gaming device includes making thefeature active on the gaming device (i.e. affecting operations of a gameand/or of the gaming device in accordance with the feature).

According to other embodiments of the present invention, if a feature isenabled for use on a gaming device, it may be either active or inactiveon the gaming device. In other words, a feature may be made available(e.g., by a server computer) for use on the gaming device, but thefeature may or may not actually be in use (e.g., it may or may not beaffecting play at the gaming device). For example, the feature may beenabled, but a player may not be using the gaming device. In anotherexample, the feature may be enabled on a gaming device that is beingoperated by a player, but the player is playing a game that the featuredoes not affect. In another example, the feature may be enabled on agaming device that is being operated by a player, but the feature hasnot been activated by the player, a server computer, or the gamingdevice to affect play.

In one or more embodiments of the present invention, enabling a featurefor use on a gaming device means that the feature may be offered to aplayer at the gaming device.

In some embodiments of the present invention, enabling a feature for useon a gaming device may comprise indicating that the feature is allowedto be used on the gaming device, regardless of whether it is actuallyever used. In some embodiments, an indication that a feature ispermitted for use on one or more gaming devices and/or for use with oneor more games may be stored in a data structure on a computer-readablemedium (e.g., in a gaming device database).

In some embodiments, enabling a feature on a gaming device comprisesproviding appropriate instructions (e.g., in computer program code) tothe gaming device that the gaming device may execute in order to providethe feature.

In some embodiments, if a feature is enabled, then a player is able touse the feature when playing a game on a gaming device. For example, aplayer may play a slot machine game in accordance with a particularfeature if the feature is enabled for use on the slot machine. 101541According to some embodiments, a player may activate and/or deactivateone or more features on a gaming device. In some embodiments, a playermay request that one or more features be made active on a gaming device.For example, the player may select an inactive feature (e.g., from aplurality of inactive features displayed to the player), making thefeature active. In some embodiments, the player may select the featureto activate or deactivate in response to a displayed indication of thefeature, such as a menu list of features available on the gaming device.According to some embodiments, a player may be able to select onlyfeatures that are enabled for a game or gaming device; in otherembodiments, the player may be able to select to activate a feature thatis not yet enabled.

In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the player mayreceive an offer to enable and/or use one or more features. In someembodiments, a player may be offered the use of one or more features inexchange for a fee or other consideration. In other embodiments, aplayer may pay a fee or provide other consideration in order to disableor deactivate a feature. Alternatively, a player may be able to activateand/or deactivate a feature on a gaming device free of charge.

A cost or fee associated with the use of a feature by a player may bebased on many factors, including, but not limited to:

-   -   (i) How long a player uses a feature. For example, a player may        be charged $0.05 per minute while he uses an “Automatic Play”        feature on a slot machine.    -   (ii) How many times a player uses a feature. For example, a        player may pay $0.50 each time he gets a winning outcome using a        “Virtual Assistant” feature.    -   (iii) One or more benefits (e.g., payouts) received by a player        while using a feature. For example, a player may pay a tax of 5%        of the value of his prizes won while a feature was active, in        exchange for being able to use the feature on a gaming device.

According to some alternative embodiments, a player may not be able toselect what feature(s) are in use for a game or gaming device. Forexample, the operation of a game or gaming device may be affected by afixed set of one or more features (e.g., as established by a casino). Inanother example, once a feature is enabled it is put in use, and aplayer and/or a gaming device may not be able to deactivate the feature.

According to other embodiments, a gaming device or a server computer maymake a feature active on the gaming device. For example, a casino mayactivate a gaming device enhancement that provides for the occasionaldisplaying of offers for various products and services to players at agaming device. In another example, a casino may activate a gameenhancement that provides for the displaying of offers for products andservices based on certain game events (e.g., upon the awarding of apayout exceeding a predetermined threshold).

According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, if two ormore features are incompatible with one another or otherwise unsuitablefor concurrent activation, then a player, a gaming device, or a computer(e.g., a slot server) may be prevented from selecting or otherwiseactivating one or more of the incompatible features. Information aboutthe compatibility of a feature with one or more other features may bestored in a data structure (e.g., a feature database).

In one or more embodiments of the present invention, activating afeature on a gaming device includes one or more of, without limitation:

-   -   (i) enabling a player to play a gaming device using the feature;    -   (ii) enabling a player to play a gaming device in accordance        with the feature;    -   (iii) enabling a player to play a game on the gaming device        using the feature;    -   (iv) enabling a player to play a game in accordance with the        feature (e.g., with modified outcomes, with a modified payout        table);    -   (v) enabling the player to access a service in accordance with        the feature (e.g., for a feature that enhances the operation of        a gaming device to provide access to a service);    -   (vi) enabling the player to receive a product/service in        accordance with the feature;    -   (vii) enabling the player to access content in accordance with        the feature;    -   (viii) enabling the player to achieve a modified outcome in        accordance with the feature;    -   (ix) enabling the player to play the gaming device in accordance        with modified outcome probabilities;    -   (x) enabling the player to achieve a modified payout amount in        accordance with the feature; and    -   (xi) enabling the player to customize a game in accordance with        the feature.

The scope of the present invention and embodiments thereof may beunderstood more fully with reference to the following figures. Theleftmost digit(s) of a reference numeral typically identifies the figurein which the reference numeral first appears. It should be noted thatthe embodiments described with reference to the following figures arepresented for illustrative purposes only and are not meant to belimiting in any sense. Further, although particular features of thepresent invention may be described with reference to one or moreparticular embodiments or figures, it should be understood that suchfeatures are not limited to usage in the one or more particularembodiments or figures with reference to which they are described.

Embodiments of the present invention will first be introduced by meansof flowcharts that illustrate some basic processes that may be utilizedby an entity practicing the present invention. The system infrastructurewill then be described with reference to block diagrams of exemplarysystems and devices that may be utilized by an entity practicing thepresent invention. Exemplary data structures illustrating tables thatmay be used when practicing some embodiments of the present inventionwill then be described, along with corresponding flowcharts thatillustrate exemplary processes that utilize the exemplary tables.

Referring now to FIG. 1A, a flowchart illustrates a process 100A that isconsistent with one or more embodiments of the present invention. Theprocess 100A is a method for determining whether a feature should beenabled on a gaming device. The process 100A, and all other processesdescribed herein unless expressly specified otherwise, may be performedby a gaming device, a computer (e.g., a slot server) in communicationwith the gaming device, a peripheral device in communication with agaming device, a peripheral device server and/or a combination thereof.Each of these devices is described in detail below. Further, the process100A, and all other processes described herein unless expresslyspecified otherwise, may include steps in addition to those expresslydepicted in the Figures or described in the specification withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Similarly,the steps of process 100A and any other process described herein, unlessexpressly specified otherwise, may be performed in an order other thandepicted in the Figures or described in the specification, asappropriate.

Referring to step 105, a feature is determined. In step 110, the entitydetermines whether the determined feature should be enabled on at leastone gaming device. In some embodiments the determination may comprisedetermining whether or not to enable a disabled feature. In otherembodiments, the feature may already be enabled on one or more of the atleast one gaming device, and the determination may thus comprisedetermining whether or not to keep the feature enabled (e.g.) on thosegaming devices on which it is already enabled).

In some embodiments, determining whether a feature should be enabledmaybe based on a condition. FIG. 1D depicts a process, consistent withone or more embodiments of the present invention, in which a feature maybe indicated to a player based on whether a predetermined condition issatisfied.

It will be readily understood that determining whether a feature shouldbe enabled and/or indicated to a player as being available for selectionmay comprise determining whether the feature should be disabled. In someembodiments, determining whether a feature should be enabled may bebased on a measure of performance of the feature. FIG. 1B depicts aprocess, consistent with one or more embodiments of the presentinvention, in which a measure of performance of a feature is determinedand the feature may be disabled based on the measure of performance.Note that FIG. 1B and FIG. 1D illustrate only two possible methods fordetermining whether to enable (or whether to disable) a feature for useon a gaming device.

A rule-based system appropriate for use in accordance with the presentinvention is disclosed in pending U.S. patent application Ser. No.09/603,677, filed Jun. 26, 2000, entitled “METHOD AND APPARATUS FORSELECTING A SUPPLEMENTAL PRODUCT TO OFFER FOR SALE DURING ATRANSACTION”, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by referenceas part of the present disclosure.

According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, a featuremay be enabled or disabled for use on one or more gaming devices basedon one or more rules. In one embodiment, such one or more rules may beassociated with, for example, a predetermined condition, as described inFIG. 1D. In another embodiment, such one or more rules may be associatedwith the player who is operating a gaming device, with the owner of thegaming device, or with a provider of a feature. In yet anotherembodiment, the one or more rules may be associated with the gamingdevice that a player is operating (e.g., the same one or more rules isused to determine whether the feature should be enabled regardless ofwho the player is or what games may be available for use on the gamingdevice).

In yet another embodiment, the one or more rules may be selectedrandomly. In one exemplary method of selecting a rule randomly, a randomnumber generated by a random number generator may be determined and atable of rules may be accessed in which each rule corresponds to arespective random number, or range of random numbers that may begenerated by a random number generator.

As is known in the art, a rules-based system may be modified by anadaptive system in order to increase the performance of the rules-basedsystem. An adaptive system which, among other things, may create its ownrules and/or modifies rules in accordance with desired performance, andwhich is appropriate for use in accordance with the present invention isdisclosed in pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/993,228, filedNov. 14, 2001, entitled “METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DYNAMIC RULE AND/OROFFER GENERATION”, the entirety of which is incorporated herein byreference as part of the present disclosure. That application disclosesan apparatus and method, which permits and enables rules-basedapplications (such as a system that provides customers withdynamically-priced upsell offers) to become “self improving” and thusincrease performance over time.

Such an adaptive system can adjust at least some of the rules inaccordance with at least one measure of performance of one or morefeatures. For example, an adaptive system can modify rules such thatfeatures that have previously proven popular among players of slotmachines after they receive a payout of over ten coins (e.g., asindicated by the number of times players have selected the featurewithin five minutes after receiving the payout) are made the subject ofexplicit offers to players at the time they receive such a payout. Inanother example, an adaptive system can modify rules such that featuresthat have previously tended to generate less revenue on video pokermachines during certain times of the day are disabled during thosetimes. In yet another example, an adaptive system can modify rules suchthat when the theoretical win per minute of a group of slot machines haspreviously increased more since a first feature was enabled on the slotmachines than since a second feature was enabled on the slot machines,the second feature is never enabled while that first feature is enabled.Various other types of measures of performance are described herein, andmay be used in accordance with one or more embodiments of the presentinvention to provide for an adaptive rules-based system for determiningwhether one or more features should be enabled or disabled.

By allowing for the adjustment of one or more rules based on one or moremeasures of performance, some embodiments of the present invention mayimprove the profitability of gaming devices over time. In someembodiments of the present invention, as discussed herein, an operatorof gaming devices may make a feature available to a player foractivation on a gaming device (e.g. by displaying a description of thefeature in an “Available Features” area of a display) based on usage ofthe feature. Accordingly, by making improvements to the ruleseffectively governing which features should be enabled or disabled invarious circumstances, based on one or more measures of performance, theoperator may reduce the enablement and/or usage of an underperforming orunpopular feature, thereby potentially making available for selectionthose features that are most profitable for the operator and/or mostentertaining to players.

Some adjustments of the rules may be based on factors other than, or inaddition to, one or more measures of performance. As discussed above, arule for determining whether a feature should be enabled may be selectedor generated at random from a table of rules. The effectiveness of therandomly-selected rule may then be evaluated in accordance with one ormore measures of performance, further assisting the rule-based system inadapting to improve the performance of the system.

Referring again to process 100A (FIG. 1A), if the feature should beenabled, in step 115 the feature is enabled on the at least one gamingdevice. In some embodiments, enabling the feature may comprise storingan indication in a database (e.g., a software flag) and/or transmittinga signal to a gaming device or peripheral device. For example, enablingthe feature may include directing a gaming device to display an iconcorresponding to the feature in a display area, allowing a player at thegaming device to activate the feature (e.g. by touching a touch screen,by using a pointer device to click on the icon). If the feature isalready enabled, in some embodiments enabling the feature may compriseany operations necessary to keep the feature enabled, or to extend aperiod of time for which the feature is to be enabled.

Referring to step 120, if the feature should not be enabled, the featureis disabled on the at least one gaming device. It will be understoodthat in some embodiments disabling a feature may comprise one or moreoperations to disable a feature that is enabled, or may comprise anyoperations necessary to keep a feature disabled (e.g., if it is alreadydisabled).

As depicted in FIG. 1A, in some optional embodiments some steps of theprocess 100A may be iterative. For example, after step 115 and/or afterstep 120, operation of the process may return (e.g., after a period oftime, in response to a signal) to step 110 for determining whether thefeature should be enabled. In this way, an entity may monitor an/orre-evaluate (e.g., periodically, intermittently, or at any time) whetherthe feature should be enabled on the at least one gaming device. In someembodiments, features may be displayed according to a ranking of thefeatures (e.g., based on a measure of use or popularity). Accordingly,the way in which a feature is displayed may be modified based on updatedinformation (e.g., a feature may be removed from a list of mostprofitable features if the feature drops in rank).

Referring now to FIG. 1B, a flowchart illustrates a process 100B that isconsistent with one or more embodiments of the present invention. Theprocess 100B is a method for disabling a feature based on theperformance of an enabled feature. Referring to step 125, a feature isenabled for use on one or more gaming devices. In some embodiments, thefeature may be enabled automatically based on any one or more of variouspredetermined conditions (e.g., if a player has wagered more than apredetermined amount within ten minutes, or in response to a receivedsignal). In other embodiments, the feature may be enabled manually by oron behalf of an operator of a gaming device (e.g., by a casinorepresentative operating a computer). As discussed herein, enabling afeature for use on a gaming device may include displaying an indicationon a gaming device that the feature is available for use (e.g., that theplayer may activate the feature and play the gaming device in accordancewith the feature).

In step 130, a measure of performance of the feature on the at least onegaming device is determined. In some embodiments, determining a measureof performance of a feature comprises determining a measure of usage ofthe feature on a gaming device. FIG. 1D depicts a process, consistentwith one or more embodiments of the present invention, in which ameasure of usage of a feature is determined. Note that FIG. 1Dillustrates only one possible method for determining a measure ofperformance. Other methods will be described herein, and still othersmay be apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the presentdisclosure.

Referring again to process 100B (FIG. 1B), in step 135 it is determinedwhether the enabled feature should be disabled based on the measure ofperformance. If the feature should not be disabled, the process ends;otherwise, in step 140 the feature is disabled and the process ends. Insome embodiments, disabling the feature may include removing the featurefrom a displayed list of available features at a gaming device, orotherwise making the feature unavailable for selection by a player.

Referring now to FIG. 1C, a flowchart illustrates a process 100C that isconsistent with one or more embodiments of the present invention. Theprocess 100C is a method for activating a feature on a gaming device.Referring to step 145, an indication of one or more features isdisplayed to a player. In some embodiments, determining which featuresto display may include determining a measure of usage of a feature on agaming device (e.g., an amount of coin-in, an amount of time that thefeature was active on the gaming device, a transaction volume foraccepted product/service offers that were provided to players inaccordance with the feature). In some embodiments, as discussed herein,an indication may comprise one or more of: an icon, an image, text, oran animated sequence.

In step 150, an indication of at least one feature selected by theplayer is received. In some embodiments, the indication may comprise asignal received from the player (e.g., via a touch screen, via a keypadof the gaming device, via the player actuating a button on the gamingdevice). In step 155, the at least one feature is activated on a gamingdevice. In some embodiments, as discussed herein, activating a featuremay include allowing a modified payout to be provided to the player inaccordance with the feature, or allowing the player to customize a gameelement.

Referring now to FIG. 1D, a flowchart illustrates a process 100D that isconsistent with one or more embodiments of the present invention. Theprocess 100D is a method for displaying an indication of a feature on agaming device. Referring to step 160, a feature is determined. In step165 it is determined whether a predetermined condition has beensatisfied. The predetermined condition, in the context of process 100D,is a condition that must be satisfied in order for an indication of thefeature determined in step 160 to be displayed on a gaming device.

Some of the various types of information on which predeterminedconditions may be based, and which may be used to determine whether apredetermined condition is satisfied, are discussed herein and withreference to the accompanying figures. In some embodiments, for example,a predetermined condition will be related to information about thefeature whose enablement is being determined. In other embodiments, thepredetermined condition may be related to information about one or moreother features. For example, a condition for enabling one feature on agaming device may be satisfied if another feature has been used at thatgaming device for more than a predetermined period of time.

Note that more than one predetermined condition may be available and/ornecessary for satisfaction. In such embodiments, the process 100D maycontinue to step 170 if any one of a plurality of predeterminedconditions is satisfied. Alternatively, a combination of predeterminedconditions may each need to be satisfied in order for the process 100Dto continue to step 170.

If it is determined, in step 165, that the predetermined condition hasnot been satisfied, the process 100D ends. If it is determined, on theother hand, that the condition has been satisfied, then the process 100Dcontinues to step 170, in which an indication of the feature isdisplayed on a gaming device. In step 175, it is determined whether aplayer has selected the feature (e.g., has requested to make the featureactive on the gaming device). In some embodiments, as described herein,the player may indicate her selection of the feature by actuating anappropriate button on the gaming device, or by using a pointer device toclick on an appropriate icon displayed at the gaming device.

In step 180, an outcome is determined in accordance with the selectedfeature. As discussed herein, some features provided for enhancements ormodifications to the way in which an outcome is determined during playof a gaming device. In step 185 a payout is determined based on thedetermined outcome. In step 190, it is determined whether the featurehas been deactivated by the player. In some embodiments, a player maydeactivate a feature (e.g., stop using the feature) by touching anindication of the active feature on a touch screen of a gaming device.Other ways in which a feature may be deactivated and/or disabled aredescribed herein. If the feature has been deactivated in step 190, theprocess 100D ends. Otherwise, the process continues in step 180 with thedetermination of another outcome in accordance with the feature.

e.g.e.g. Applicants have recognized that the accumulation, storing,and/or analysis of various types of information may be helpful in themanagement of features on gaming devices. Many types of information arediscussed herein. Some types of information may be helpful, for example,in determining whether a feature should be enabled or disabled. Sometypes of information may be useful, for example, in determining apayment due to a provider of a feature. Some types of information, forexample, may be useful for both determining whether a feature should beenabled or disabled and for determining a payment due to a provider of afeature. Some types of information may be useful in establishing rulesin a rules-based system, and/or for establishing predeterminedconditions.

Examples of types of information that may be helpful in managingfeatures for use on one or more gaming devices and/or with one or moregames include, but are not limited to:

-   -   (i) information about performance of one or more features;    -   (ii) information about usage of one or more features;    -   (iii) information about usage of one or more gaming devices;    -   (iv) information about profitability of one or more features;    -   (v) information about profitability of one or more gaming        devices;    -   (vi) information about players, including information about the        gambling activity of players;    -   (vii) information about offers provided to players in accordance        with one or more features;    -   (viii) indications (e.g., signals) from various parties;    -   (ix) information about a casino or other establishment;    -   (x) information about one or more games;    -   (xi) information about one or more providers of features;    -   (xii) time-related conditions;    -   (xiii) authorization codes; and    -   (xiv) random numbers.

Other appropriate categories or types of information will be recognizedby one of ordinary skill in the art after reading the presentapplication. The types of information described herein are categorizedfor illustrative purposes only. Note that some information consistentwith one or more embodiments of the present invention may reasonably beconsidered as related to or falling within two, more than two, or noneof the categories of information described herein. Also, althoughinformation may be described as being related to a single entity (e.g.,a player, a gaming device) for illustrative purposes only, one skilledin the art will understand that similar information related to aplurality of such entities (e.g., an aggregate revenue generated on allgaming devices, an average per gaming device) may also be used inaccordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.

A measure of performance, as used herein unless expressly indicatedotherwise, may refer to a measure of performance of a feature and/or ofa gaming device, and may include, but is not limited to, (i) one or moremeasures of usage of features and/or gaming devices; (ii) one or moremeasures of profitability of features and/or gaming devices, and/or(iii) variances in any such measures that may be correlated to the useor non-use of one or more features on a gaming device.

In some embodiments, a measure of performance may comprise an indicationof a change in a particular measure (e.g., of usage, of profitability)related to a feature (or to a gaming device). For example, a measure ofperformance of a feature may be the determined increase in the number ofplayers using a gaming device at which the feature is enabled, or anincrease in the average amount that players wager at a gaming device onwhich the feature is enabled. In another example, an increase in thetheoretical win per minute of a gaming device, during a period thatstarted when a feature was enabled at the gaming device, may be a usefulindicator in determining whether the feature should be enabled ordisabled on the gaming device, as well as for determining whether thefeature should be enabled or disabled on other gaming devices. Forexample, a condition may be established that if the increase is greaterthan a predetermined value, then the feature should be automaticallyenabled on other gaming devices of the same type.

In another example, some features may enhance operation of gamingdevices or of games in order to promote the fulfillment of certain typesof goals, such as teaching players how to use a certain type of gamingdevice, or encouraging players to play gaming devices more quickly.Measures of performance of such features may thus include informationrelated to the desired goals (e.g., an average wager size, an averagerate of play).

Some examples of information that may facilitate the management ofvarious features for use on one or more gaming devices (e.g., indetermining whether a feature should be made available on a gamingdevice for selection by a player, in determining how a feature should bedisplayed to a player at a gaming device) include, but are not limitedto:

-   -   (i) An amount of revenue generated while a feature is in use;    -   (ii) An average amount wagered by a player (or players) while a        feature is in use;    -   (iii) An average rate of play when a player is using a feature,    -   (iv) An average session theoretical win when a player is using a        feature;    -   (v) A number of customer service complaints relating to a        feature;    -   (vi) An average duration of a gaming session when a player is        using a feature;    -   (vii) A number of machines at which a feature is active;    -   (viii) A percentage amount of machines at which a feature is        active;    -   (ix) A number of times that a feature is used (e.g., within a        period of time);    -   (x) An average number of times that a feature is used by a        player;    -   (xi) A period of time that a feature is in use (e.g., in minutes        or hours);    -   (xii) A period of time that one or more gaming devices are in        use;    -   (xiii) A percentage amount of all gaming devices that are gaming        devices on which a feature is in use;    -   (xiv) Which game(s) a feature is used with;    -   (xv) Which gaming device(s) (e.g., types of gaming devices) a        feature is used with;    -   (xvi) What types of players use a feature (e.g., new players,        old players, “high rollers”);    -   (xvii) Information about features that are used concurrently        with at least one other feature;    -   (xviii) A time of day when a feature is used (e.g., during peak        hours, during the middle of the night);    -   (xix) A profit of a gaming device while a feature was in use;    -   (xx) An amount of revenue resulting from use of the feature;    -   (xxi) A profit from use of the feature (e.g., profit earned from        accepted offers);    -   (xxii) A cost resulting from use of a feature (e.g., a cost        associated with providing a service in accordance with a        feature);    -   (xxiii) An increase (or decrease) in payout percentage (e.g., at        one or more gaming devices;    -   (xxiv) An increase (or decrease) in theoretical win (e.g., at        one or more gaming devices)    -   (xxv) An increase (or decrease) in an amount of revenue        generated at an ancillary merchant, establishment or enterprise        related to an offer (e.g., revenue generated at a restaurant        sponsoring a dinner offer that is provided in accordance with a        feature)    -   (xxvi) A value of a benefit (e.g., money) paid to a player        (e.g., money paid to a player by sponsors, such as if a player        performs one or more value-added activities;    -   (xxvii) An amount of revenue generated at one or more gaming        devices near a gaming device at which a feature is used (e.g.,        if a features makes play so entertaining that it makes move to        one area of the casino);    -   (xxviii) A number or value of comps received by a player (e.g.,        playing a feature-enabled gaming device);    -   (xxix) A percentage of funds stored with a server (e.g., due to        interest);    -   (xxx) A player's rate of play while a feature is in use;    -   (xxxi) An increase or decrease in a player's rate of play (e.g.,        comparing play with a feature enabled and play without the        feature enabled);    -   (xxxii) A number of offers accepted or rejected by a player        (e.g., for a feature that makes offers to a player);    -   (xxxiii) A percentage of offers that are rejected/that are        accepted;    -   (xxxiv) An increase or decrease in the amount of coin-in by a        player (e.g., comparing play with a feature enabled and play        without the feature enabled);    -   (xxxv) An increase or decrease in the (average) session length        of a player (e.g., comparing feature-enabled play and        non-enhanced play);    -   (xxxvi) An increase or decrease in the percentage of time a        player spends gambling during a casino visit (e.g., comparing        feature-enabled play and non-enhanced play);    -   (xxxvii) Whether a player signs up for a player tracking card;    -   (xxxviii) A number of players who sign up for player tracking        cards;    -   (xxxix) How often a feature is used (e.g., whether the number of        times a feature is used on a gaming device (or gaming devices)        each day is greater than a predetermined number of times);    -   (xl) A period of time for which a feature is used by a player        (or players) (e.g., for determining whether the period of time        that a player used a feature was less than five minutes, or        whether the average period of time that players use a feature is        less than two hours);    -   (xli) What type(s) of games the feature is used with (e.g. for        determining whether the feature is used with games on bonus        round slot machines, or with video poker machines);    -   (xlii) What type(s) of gaming devices the feature is used with        (e.g., for determining whether the feature is used on machines        in the smoking section);    -   (xliii) What type(s) of players use the feature (erg., for        determining whether a predetermined minimum number of novice        players have used the feature); and    -   (xliv) A number of different players who have used the feature        (e.g., for determining whether a predetermined minimum number of        unique players have used the feature).

Other types of information useful in managing features will berecognized by one of ordinary skill in the art after reading the presentapplication.

Although measures related to usage of a feature (e.g., informationrelated to behavior of players at a gaming device while a feature wasactually active or in use) are discussed frequently herein as usefulmeasures of performance of a feature, it will be understood that auseful measure of performance may be related to activity at a gamingdevice while a feature is merely enabled for use on the gaming device,regardless of whether the feature is ever used or activated by a player.For example, a player may be attracted to a gaming device at which aparticular feature is enabled for use (and may as a result spend longerplaying the gaming device), simply because the particular feature isavailable to the player, or may be offered to or activated for theplayer, even if the player does not use the feature most of the time oreven at all. In other words, some players may choose to play a gamingdevice at which particular features are enabled over another gamingdevice lacking the features, even if the player does not take advantageof the features' enhancements.

Referring now to FIG. 2A, a block diagram of a system 200 according toat least one embodiment of the present invention includes a computer 210(e.g. a slot server of a casino) that is in communication, via acommunications network 220, with one or more gaming devices 230 (e.g.,slot machines, video poker machines). The computer 210 may communicatewith the devices 230 directly or indirectly, via a wired or wirelessmedium such as the Internet, LAN, WAN or Ethernet, Token Ring, or viaany appropriate communications means or combination of communicationsmeans. Each of the devices 230 may comprise computers, such as thosebased on the INTEL® PENTIUM® processor, that are adapted to communicatewith the computer 210. Any number and type of devices 230 may be incommunication with the computer 210.

Communication between the devices 230 and the computer 210, and amongthe devices 230, may be direct or indirect, such as over the Internetthrough a Web site maintained by computer 210 on a remote server or overan on-line data network including commercial on-line service providers,bulletin board systems and the like. In yet other embodiments, thedevices 230 may communicate with one another and/or computer 210 overRF, cable TV, satellite links and the like.

Some, but not all, possible communication networks that may comprisenetwork 220 or be otherwise part of system 200 include: a local areanetwork (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), the Internet, a telephoneline, a cable line, a radio channel, an optical communications line, asatellite communications link. Possible communications protocols thatmay be part of system 200 include: Ethernet (or IEEE 802.3), SAP, ATP,Bluetooth™, and TCP/IP. Communication may be encrypted to ensure privacyand prevent fraud in any of a variety of ways well known in the art.

Those skilled in the art will understand that devices in communicationwith each other need not be continually transmitting to each other. Onthe contrary, such devices need only transmit to each other asnecessary, and may actually refrain from exchanging data most of thetime. For example, a device in communication with another device via theInternet may not transmit data to the other device for weeks at a time.

In some embodiments, the computer 210 may not be necessary and/orpreferred. For example, the present invention may, in one or moreembodiments, be practiced on a stand-alone gaming device 230 and/or agaming device 230 in communication only with one or more other gamingdevices 230. In such an embodiment, any functions described as performedby the computer 210 or data described as stored on the computer 210 mayinstead be performed by or stored on one or more gaming devices 230.

Referring now to FIG. 2B, a block diagram of another system 250according to at least one embodiment of the present invention includes acomputer 210 (e.g., a slot server of a casino) that is in communication,via a communications network 220, with one or more gaming devices 230(e.g., slot machines, video poker machines). A difference between system200 (FIG. 2A) and system 250 (FIG. 2B) is that in system 250 at leastone gaming device 230 is also in communication with one or moreperipheral devices 240. A peripheral device 240 may, in turn, be incommunication with a peripheral device server 245 and, in someembodiments, with computer 210. In one or more embodiments theperipheral device server 245 may be in communication with one or moregaming devices 240 and/or computer 210.

The computer 210 may communicate with the devices 230 and devices 240directly or indirectly, via a wired or wireless medium such as theInternet, LAN, WAN or Ethernet, Token Ring, or via any appropriatecommunications means or combination of communications means. Forexample, the computer 210 may communicate directly with one of thegaming devices 230 (e.g., via a LAN) and indirectly (e.g., via a gamingdevice 230) with a peripheral device 240. In another example, thecomputer 210 may communicate with one of the gaming devices 230 via aLAN and with another of the gaming devices 230 via the Internet (e.g.,if the particular gaming device comprises a personal computer incommunication with an online casino).

Each of the devices 230 and the devices 240 may comprise computers, suchas those based on the INTEL® PENTIUM® processor, that are adapted tocommunicate with the computer 210. Further, each of the devices 230 maycomprise a gaming device such as a mechanical or electronic slotmachine, a video poker machine, a video blackjack machine, a video kenomachine, a pachinko machine, a video roulette machine, and/or a lotteryterminal. Further yet, each of the devices 240 may comprise an externalor internal module associated with one or more of the gaming devices 230that is capable of communicating with one or more of the gaming devices230 and of directing the one or more gaming devices 230 to perform oneor more functions. Any number of devices 230 may be in communicationwith the computer 210. Any number and type of peripheral devices 240 maybe in communication with a gaming device 230, peripheral device server245 and computer 210.

Communication between the devices 230 and the computer 210, between thedevices 230 and devices 240, between peripheral device server 245 andthe devices 240 and/or the devices 230, between the peripheral deviceserver 245 and computer 210, among the devices 230, and among thedevices 240 may be direct or indirect, such as over the Internet througha Web site maintained by computer 210 on a remote server or over anon-line data network including commercial on-line service providers,bulletin board systems and the like. In yet other embodiments, any andall of the devices of system 250 (i.e., the devices 230, the devices240, the computer 210, and the peripheral device server 245) maycommunicate with one another over RF, cable TV, satellite links and thelike.

Some, but not all, possible communication networks that may comprisenetwork 220 or otherwise be part of system 250 include: a local areanetwork (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), the Internet, a telephoneline, a cable line, a radio channel, an optical communications line, asatellite communications link. Possible communications protocols thatmay be part of system 250 include: Ethernet (or IEEE 802.3), SAP, ATP,Bluetooth™, and TCP/IP. Communication may be encrypted to ensure privacyand prevent fraud in any of a variety of ways well known in the art.

In some embodiments, the computer 210 may not be necessary and/orpreferred. For example, the present invention may, in one or moreembodiments, be practiced on a stand-alone gaming device 230, one ormore gaming devices in communication with one or more peripheral devices240, one or more gaming devices in communication with peripheral deviceserver 245, one or more peripheral devices 240 in communication withperipheral device server 245, and/or a gaming device 230 incommunication only with one or more other gaming devices 2.30. In suchan embodiment, any functions described as performed by the computer 210or data described as stored in a memory of the computer 210 may insteadbe performed by or stored on one or more gaming devices 230, one or moreperipheral devices 240, and/or peripheral device server 245.

Similarly, peripheral device server 245 may not be desired and/or neededin some embodiments of the present invention. In embodiments that do notinvolve peripheral device server 245, any or all of the functionsdescribed herein as being performed by peripheral device server 245 mayinstead be performed by computer 210, one or more gaming devices 230,one or more peripheral devices 240, or a combination thereof: Similarly,in embodiments that do not involve peripheral device server 245 any datadescribed herein as being stored in a memory of peripheral device server245 may instead be stored in a memory of computer 210, one or moregaming devices 230, one or more peripheral devices 240, or a combinationthereof.

Any or all of the gaming devices 230 may, respectively, include or be incommunication with a peripheral device 240. A peripheral device 240 maybe a device that receives information from (and/or transmits informationto) one or more gaming devices 230. For example, a peripheral device 240may be operable to receive information about games being played on agaming device 230, such as the initiation of a game and/or a randomnumber that has been generated for a game, and/or may be operable toreceive information about features enabled or in use on the gamingdevice 230.

In one or more embodiments, one or more such peripheral devices 240 maybe in communication with a peripheral device server 245. This allows theperipheral device server 245 to receive information regarding aplurality of games being played on a plurality of gaming devices 230.The peripheral device server 245, in turn, may be in communication withthe computer 210. It should be understood that any functions describedherein as performed by a peripheral device 240 may also or instead beperformed by the peripheral device server 245. Similarly, any datadescribed herein as being stored on or accessed by a peripheral device240 may also or instead be stored on or accessed by the peripheraldevice server 245.

A peripheral device 240 may be operable to access a database (e.g., ofperipheral device server 245) to provide benefits (e.g., cashless gamingreceipts) based on, for example, an active feature of a gaming device230. A peripheral device 240 may also be operable to access a database(e.g., a feature database, as described in more detail below) todetermine a product/services offer to output on a gaming device (e.g.,in accordance with an active feature),

The peripheral device server 245 may also monitor player gamblinghistory over time by associating gambling behavior with playeridentifiers, such as player tracking card numbers. For example, inembodiments wherein a player selects which feature is to be active, theperipheral device server 245 may track which feature the player haspreviously selected and subsequently use that information to presentother offers for features to the player and/or to output otherinformation to the player. Further, information about the playerobtained or accessed by peripheral device server 245 may be analyzed,e.g., to identify those players that a particular gaming machine owner,operator, or manufacturer finds most desirable. Based upon desiredobjectives, the peripheral device server 245 may direct the appropriateperipheral device 240 to issue customized messages to specific playersthat are relevant to their gambling behaviors.

Information received by a peripheral device 240 from a gaming device 230may include gambling data such as number of games initiated per unit oftime, outcomes displayed for games initiated, payouts corresponding tooutcomes displayed, a credit meter balance of the gaming device, and/ordata associated with the player currently playing the gaming device 230.

The functions described herein as being performed by a peripheral deviceserver 245 and/or a peripheral device 240 may, in one or moreembodiments, be performed by the computer 210 (in lieu of or inconjunction with being performed by a peripheral device server 245and/or a peripheral device 240). Such functions may be performed bycomputer 210 in either system 200 (FIG. 2A) or system 250 (FIG. 2B).

In one or more embodiments, a peripheral device 240 may be useful forimplementing the embodiments of the present invention into the operationof a conventional gaming device. For example, in order to avoid orminimize the necessity of modifying or replacing a program alreadystored in a memory of a conventional gaming device, an external orinternal module that comprises a peripheral device 240 may be insertedin or associated with the gaming device.

Thus, for example, a peripheral device 240 may be utilized to monitorplay of the gaming device and enhance or otherwise affect play inaccordance with one or more active features. In such embodiments thegaming device 230 with which the peripheral device 240 is incommunication with may continue to operate conventionally (e.g., as iffeatures were not active). In such embodiments, for example, if thefeature includes the offering of products or services to players, or thedisplaying of video content, operation of the gaming device 230 maycontinue conventionally. The peripheral device 240, however, may outputone or more offers. The peripheral device 240 may also output messagesto the player (e.g., such as “Would you like to play in Reverse PayoutMode?”). The peripheral device 240 may also provide benefits to a player(e.g., coins, tokens, electronic credits, paper receipts exchangeablefor cash, services, and/or merchandise).

Accordingly, a peripheral device 240 may include (i) a communicationsport (e.g., for communicating with one or more gaming devices 230,peripheral device server 245, another peripheral device 240, and/orcomputer 210); (ii) a display (e.g., for displaying messages and/oroutcomes), (iii) another output means (e.g., a speaker, light or motiondevice to communicate with a player), and I or (iv) a benefit providingmeans (e.g., a printer and paper dispensing means, a credit meter,and/or a hopper and hopper controller).

In one or more embodiments, the peripheral device may not outputoutcomes and/or messages to a player but may instead direct theprocessor of a gaming device to perform such functions. For example, aprogram stored in a memory of peripheral device 240 may cause aprocessor of a gaming device to perform certain functions. For example,a program stored in a memory of peripheral device 240 may cause aprocessor of a gaming device to provide for enhanced play of the gamingdevice in accordance with one or more enabled features, by modifying howthe gaming device outputs an outcome, determines an outcome, outputs amessage, provides a benefit, and/or displays game information.

Referring now to FIG. 3, illustrated therein is a block diagram of anembodiment 300 of a gaming device. The gaming device 300 may beimplemented as a system controller, a dedicated hardware circuit, anappropriately programmed general-purpose computer, or any otherequivalent electronic, mechanical or electro-mechanical device. Thegaming device 300 may comprise, for example, a slot machine, a videopoker terminal, a video blackjack terminal, a video keno terminal, avideo lottery terminal, a pachinko machine or a table-top game. Invarious embodiments, a gaming device may comprise, for example, apersonal computer (e.g., which communicates with an online casino Website), a telephone (e.g., to communicate with an automated sports bookthat provides gaming services), or a portable handheld gaming device(e.g., a personal digital assistant or NINTENDO® GAMEBOY®). The gamingdevice 300 may comprise any or all of the gaming devices 230 of system200 (FIG. 2A) or system 250 (FIG. 2B). In some embodiments, a userdevice such as a PDA or cell phone may be used in place of, or inaddition to, some or all of the gaming device 300 components depicted inFIG. 3. Further, a gaming device may comprise a personal computer orother device operable to communicate with an online casino andfacilitate game play at the online casino. In one or more embodiments,the gaming device 300 may comprise a computing device operable toexecute software that simulates play of a reeled slot machine game,video poker game, video blackjack game, video keno game, video roulettegame, or lottery game.

The gaming device 300 comprises a processor 305, such as one or moreINTEL® PENTIUM® processors. The processor 305 is in communication with amemory 310 and a communications port 370 (e.g., for communicating withone or more other devices). The memory 310 may comprise an appropriatecombination of magnetic, optical and/or semiconductor memory, and mayinclude, for example, Random Access Memory (RAM), Read-Only Memory(ROM), a compact disc and/or a hard disk. The memory 310 may comprise orinclude any type of computer-readable medium. The processor 305 and thememory 310 may each be, for example: (i) located entirely within asingle computer or other device; or (ii) connected to each other by aremote communication medium, such as a serial port cable, telephone lineor radio frequency transceiver. In one embodiment, the gaming device 300may comprise one or more devices that are connected to a remote servercomputer for maintaining databases.

The memory 310 stores a program 315 for controlling the processor 305.The processor 305 performs instructions of the program 315, and therebyoperates in accordance with the present invention, and particularly inaccordance with the methods described in detail herein. The program 315may be stored in a compressed, uncompiled and/or encrypted format. Theprogram 315 furthermore includes program elements that may be necessary,such as an operating system, a database management system and “devicedrivers” for allowing the processor 305 to interface with computerperipheral devices. Appropriate program elements are known to thoseskilled in the art, and need not be described in detail herein.

The term “computer-readable medium” as used herein refers to any mediumthat participates in providing instructions to processor 305 (or anyother processor of a device described herein) for execution. Such amedium may take many forms, including but not limited to, non-volatilemedia, volatile media, and transmission media. Non-volatile mediainclude, for example, optical or magnetic disks, such as memory 310.Volatile media include dynamic random access memory (DRAM), whichtypically constitutes the main memory. Transmission media includecoaxial cables, copper wire and fiber optics, including the wires thatcomprise a system bus coupled to the processor 305. Transmission mediacan also take the form of acoustic or light waves, such as thosegenerated during radio frequency (RF) and infrared (IR) datacommunications. Common forms of computer-readable media include, forexample, a floppy disk, a flexible disk, hard disk, magnetic tape, anyother magnetic medium, a CD-ROM, DVD, any other optical medium, punchcards, paper tape, any other physical medium with patterns of holes, aRAM, a PROM, an EPROM, a FLASH-EEPROM, any other memory chip orcartridge, a carrier wave as described hereinafter, or any other mediumfrom which a computer can read.

Various forms of computer readable media may be involved in carrying oneor more sequences of one or more instructions to processor 305 (or anyother processor of a device described herein) for execution. Forexample, the instructions may initially be borne on a magnetic disk of aremote computer. The remote computer can load the instructions into itsdynamic memory and send the instructions over a telephone line using amodem. A modem local to a gaming device 300 (or, e.g., a computer 210)can receive the data on the telephone line and use an infraredtransmitter to convert the data to an infrared signal. An infrareddetector can receive the data carried in the infrared signal and placethe data on a system bus for processor 305. The system bus carries thedata to main memory, from which processor 200 retrieves and executes theinstructions. The instructions received by main memory may optionally bestored in memory 310 either before or after execution by processor 305.In addition, instructions may be received via communication port 370 aselectrical, electromagnetic or optical signals, which are exemplaryforms of carrier waves that carry data streams representing varioustypes of information. Thus, the gaming device 300 may obtaininstructions in the form of a carrier wave.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the instructions ofthe program 315 may be read into a main memory from anothercomputer-readable medium, such from a ROM to RAM. Execution of sequencesof the instructions in program 315 causes processor 305 to perform theprocess steps described herein. In alternate embodiments, hard-wiredcircuitry may be used in place of, or in combination with, softwareinstructions for implementation of the processes of the presentinvention. Thus, embodiments of the present invention are not limited toany specific combination of hardware and software. As discussed withrespect to system 250 of FIG. 2B, execution of sequences of theinstructions in a program of a peripheral device 240 in communicationwith gaming device 300 may also cause processor 305 to perform some ofthe process steps described herein.

The memory 310 also stores a plurality of databases, including aprobability database 320, and a payout database 325. Note, althoughthese databases are described as being stored in a gaming device, inother embodiments of the present invention some or all of thesedatabases may be partially or wholly stored in another device, such asone or more of the peripheral devices 240, the peripheral device server245 and/or the computer 210. Further, some or all of the data describedas being stored in the databases 320-335 may be partially or whollystored (in addition to or in lieu of being stored in the memory 310 ofthe gaming device 300) in a memory of one or more other devices, such asone or more of the peripheral devices 240, another gaming device 230,the peripheral device server 245 and/or the computer 210.

The databases 220 and 225 are depicted for illustrative purposes only,and need not be described in detail herein.

The processor 305 is also operable to communicate with a random numbergenerator 345, which may be a component of gaming device 300. The randomnumber generator, in accordance with at least one embodiment of thepresent invention, may generate data representing random orpseudo-random values (referred to as “random numbers” herein). Therandom number generator may generate a random number every predeterminedunit of time (e.g., every second) or in response to an initiation of agame on the gaming device. In the former embodiment, the generatedrandom numbers may be used as they are generated (e.g., the randomnumber generated at substantially the time of game initiation is usedfor that game) and/or stored for future use.

A random number generator, as used herein, may be embodied as aprocessor separate from but working in cooperation with processor 305.Alternatively, random number generator 345 may be embodied as analgorithm, program component, or software stored in the memory of gamingdevice 300 and used to generate a random number.

Note that, although the generation or obtainment of a random number isdescribed herein as involving a random number generator of a gamingdevice, other methods of determining a random number may be employed.For example, a gaming device owner or operator may obtain sets of randomnumbers that have been generated by another entity. HOTBITS™, forexample, is a service that provides random numbers that have beengenerated by timing successive pairs of radioactive decays detected by aGeiger-Muller tube interfaced to a computer. A blower mechanism thatuses physical balls with numbers thereon may be used to determine arandom number by randomly selecting one of the balls and determining thenumber thereof.

The processor 305 is also operable to communicate with a benefit outputdevice 350, which may be a component of gaming device 300. The benefitoutput device 350 may comprise one or more devices for outputting abenefit to a player of the gaming device 300. For example, in oneembodiment the gaming device 300 may provide coins and/or tokens as abenefit. In such an embodiment the benefit output device 350 maycomprise a hopper and hopper controller, for dispensing coins and/ortokens into a coin tray of the gaming device 300. In another example,the gaming device 300 may provide a receipt or other document on whichthere is printed an indication of a benefit (e.g., a cashless gamingreceipt that has printed thereon a monetary value, which is redeemablefor cash in the amount of the monetary value). In such an embodiment thebenefit output device 350 may comprise a printing and documentdispensing mechanism. In yet another example, the gaming device 300 mayprovide electronic credits as a benefit (which, e.g., maybe subsequentlyconverted to coins and/or tokens and dispensed from a hopper into a cointray). In such an embodiment the benefit output device 350 may comprisea credit meter balance and/or a processor that manages the amount ofelectronic credits that is indicated on a display of a credit meterbalance. The processor may be the processor 305 or another processor. Inyet another example, the gaming device 300 may credit a monetary amountto a financial account associated with a player as a benefit provided toa player. The financial account may be, for example, a credit cardaccount, a debit account, a charge account, a checking account, or acasino account. In such an embodiment the benefit output device maycomprise a device for communicating with a server on which the financialaccount is maintained.

Note that, in one or more embodiments, the gaming device 300 may includemore than one benefit output device 350 even though only one benefitoutput device is illustrated in FIG. 3. For example, the gaming device300 may include both a hopper and hopper controller combination and acredit meter balance. Such a gaming device may be operable to providemore than one type of benefit to a player of the gaming device. A singlebenefit output device 350 may be operable to output more than one typeof benefit. For example, a benefit output device 350 may be operable toincrease the balance of credits in a credit meter and communicate with aremote device in order to increase the balance of a financial accountassociated with a player.

The processor 305 is also operable to communicate with a display device355, which may be a component of gaming device 300. The display device355 may comprise, for example, one or more display screens or areas foroutputting information related to game play on the gaming device, suchas a cathode ray tube (CRT) monitor, liquid crystal display (LCD)screen, or light emitting diode (LED) screen.

In one or more embodiments, a gaming device may comprise more than onedisplay device. For example, a gaming device may comprise an LCD displayfor displaying electronic reels and a display area that displaysrotating mechanical reels.

The processor 305 may also be in communication with one or more otherdevices besides the display device 355, for outputting information (e.g.to a player or another device). Such other one or more output devicesmay also be components of gaming device 300. Such other one or moreoutput devices may comprise, for example, an audio speaker (e.g., foroutputting an offer for a feature or information related thereto, inaddition to or in lieu of such information being output via a displaydevice 355), an infra-red transmitter, a radio transmitter, an electricmotor, a printer (e.g., such as for printing cashless gaming vouchers),a coupon or product dispenser, an infra-red port (e.g., forcommunicating with a second gaming device or a portable device of aplayer), a Braille computer monitor, and a coin or bill dispenser. Forgaming devices, common output devices include, but are not limited to, acathode ray tube (CRT) monitor on a video poker machine, a bell on agaming device (e.g., rings when a player wins), an LED display of aplayer's credit balance on a gaming device, and an LCD display of apersonal digital assistant (PDA).

The display device 355 may comprise, for example, one or more displayareas. For example, one of the display areas may display outcomes ofgames played on the gaming device (e.g. electronic reels of a gamingdevice). Another of the display areas may display rules for playing agame of the gaming device. Yet another of the display areas may displaythe benefits obtainable by playing a game of the gaming device (e.g., inthe form of a payout table). In one or more embodiments, the gamingdevice 300 may include more than one display device, one or more otheroutput devices, or a combination thereof (e.g., two display devices andtwo audio speakers).

The processor 305 is also in communication with an input device 365,which is a device that is capable of receiving an input (e.g., from aplayer or another device) and which may be a component of gaming device300. An input device may communicate with or be part of another device(e.g. a server, a gaming device, etc.). Some examples of input devicesinclude: a bar-code scanner, a magnetic stripe reader, a computerkeyboard or keypad, a button, a handle, a keypad, a touch-screen, amicrophone, an infrared sensor, a voice recognition module, a coin orbill acceptor, a sonic ranger, a computer port, a video camera, a motiondetector, a digital camera, a network card, a universal serial bus (USB)port, a GPS receiver, a radio frequency identification (RFID) receiver,an RF receiver, a thermometer, a pressure sensor, an infrared port(e.g., for receiving communications from with a second gaming device ora another device such as a smart card or PDA of a player), and a weightscale. For gaming devices, common input devices include a button ortouch screen on a video poker machine, a lever or handle connected tothe gaming device, a magnetic stripe reader to read a player trackingcard inserted into a gaming device, a touch screen for input of playerselections during game play, and a coin and bill acceptor.

The processor 305 is also in communication with a payment system 375,which may be a component of gaming device 300. The payment system 375 isa device capable of accepting payment from a player (erg., a bet orinitiation of a balance) and/or providing payment to a player (e.g., apayout). Payment is not limited to money, but may also include othertypes of consideration, including products, services, and alternatecurrencies.

Exemplary methods of accepting payment by the payment system 375 include(i) receiving hard currency (i.e., coins or bills), and accordingly thepayment system 375 may comprise a coin or bill acceptor; (ii) receivingan alternate currency (e.g., a paper cashless gaming voucher, a coupon,a non-negotiable token), and accordingly the payment system 375 maycomprise a bar code reader or other sensing means; (iii) receiving apayment identifier (e.g., a credit card number, a debit card number, aplayer tracking card number) and debiting the account identified by thepayment identifier; and (iv) determining that a player has performed avalue-added activity.

In one embodiment, a player may operate a plurality of gaming devices.For example, a player may simultaneously play two side-by-side gamingdevices, a player may play one gaming device (e.g. a gaming device) andthen continue his gaming session at another gaming device (e.g. a videopoker machine), and a player may remotely operate a gaming device,possibly by using a telephone, PDA or other device (i) to transmitcommands (directly or indirectly) to the gaming device, such as wageramounts and commands to select certain cards; and/or (ii) to receiveoutput (directly or indirectly) from the gaming device.

In one embodiment, a gaming device may allow a player to play a game ofskill rather than a game of chance. Such an embodiment may be moreappealing to certain players or may be permitted in areas where it isillegal to gamble on games of chance.

Referring now to FIG. 4, illustrated therein is a block diagram of anembodiment 400 of computer 210 (FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B). The computer 400may be implemented as a system controller, a dedicated hardware circuit,an appropriately programmed general-purpose computer, or any otherequivalent electronic, mechanical or electro-mechanical device. Thecomputer 400 may comprise, for example, a server computer operable tocommunicate with one or more client devices, such as gaming devices 230.The computer 400 is operative to manage the system 200 and the system250 and execute the methods of the present invention.

In operation, the computer 400 may function under the control of acasino, a merchant, or other entity that may also control use of thegaming devices 230, peripheral devices 240, and/or peripheral deviceserver 245. For example, the computer 400 may be a slot server in acasino. In some embodiments, the computer 400 and slot server may bedifferent devices. In some embodiments, the computer 400 may comprisemore than one computer operating together. In some embodiments, thecomputer 400 and peripheral device server 245 may be the same device.

The computer 400 comprises a processor 405, such as one or more INTEL®PENTIUM® processors. The processor 405 is in communication with a memory410 and a communications port 415 (e.g., for communicating with one ormore other devices). The memory 410 may comprise an appropriatecombination of magnetic, optical and/or semiconductor memory, and mayinclude, for example, Random Access Memory (RAM), Read-Only Memory(ROM), a compact disc and/or a hard disk. The processor 405 and thememory 410 may each be, for example: (i) located entirely within asingle computer or other device; or (ii) connected to each other by aremote communication medium, such as a serial port cable, telephone lineor radio frequency transceiver. In one embodiment, the computer 400 maycomprise one or more devices that are connected to a remote servercomputer for maintaining databases.

The memory 410 stores a program 420 for controlling the processor 405.The processor 405 performs instructions of the program 420, and therebyoperates in accordance with the present invention, and particularly inaccordance with the methods described in detail herein. The program 420may be stored in a compressed, uncompiled and/or encrypted format. Theprogram 420 furthermore includes program elements that may be necessary,such as an operating system, a database management system and “devicedrivers” for allowing the processor 405 to interface with computerperipheral devices. Appropriate program elements are known to thoseskilled in the art, and need not be described in detail herein.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the instructions ofthe program 420 may be read into a main memory from anothercomputer-readable medium, such from a ROM to RAM. Execution of sequencesof the instructions in program 420 causes processor 405 to perform theprocess steps described herein. In alternate embodiments, hard-wiredcircuitry may be used in place of, or in combination with, softwareinstructions for implementation of the processes of the presentinvention. Thus, embodiments of the present invention are not limited toany specific combination of hardware and software.

The memory 410 also stores a plurality of databases, including a featuredatabase 425, a condition database 430, a gaming device database 435, aplayer database 440, a performance database 445, and an alternate payoutdatabase 450. Each of these databases is described in detail below andexample structures are depicted with sample entries in the accompanyingfigures. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, theschematic illustrations and accompanying descriptions of the sampledatabases presented herein are exemplary arrangements for storedrepresentations of information. Any number of other arrangements may beemployed besides those suggested by the tables shown. For example, eventhough six separate databases are illustrated, the invention could bepracticed effectively using any number of functionally equivalentdatabases. Similarly, the illustrated entries of the databases representexemplary information only; those skilled in the art will understandthat the number and content of the entries can be different from thoseillustrated herein. Further, despite the depiction of the databases astables, an object-based model could be used to store and manipulate thedata types of the present invention and likewise, object methods orbehaviors can be used to implement the processes of the presentinvention.

Note that, although these databases are described as being stored in agaming device, in other embodiments of the present invention some or allof these databases may be partially or wholly stored in another device,such as one or more of the peripheral devices 240, the peripheral deviceserver 245, one or more of the gaming devices 230, a slot server (ifdifferent from the computer 210), another device, or a combinationthereof Further, some or all of the data described as being stored inthe databases 425, 430, 435, 440, 445, and 450 may be partially orwholly stored (in addition to or in lieu of being stored in the memory410 of the computer 400) in a memory of one or more other devices, suchas one or more of the peripheral devices 240, one or more of the gamingdevices 230, the peripheral device server 245 and/or a slot server (ifdifferent from computer 210).

Referring now to FIG. 5, an exemplary tabular representation 500illustrates one embodiment of the feature database 425 (FIG. 4) that maybe stored in the computer 400. The tabular representation 500 of thefeature database includes a number of example records or entries, eachdefining a feature that may be enabled on a gaming device 300 by thecomputer 400 (or the gaming device 300). Those skilled in the art willunderstand that the feature database may include any number of entries.

The tabular representation 500 also defines fields for each of theentries or records. The fields specify: (i) a feature identifier 502that uniquely identifies a particular feature (e.g., uniquely identifiesa particular option, mode, or parameter for affecting the operation ofone or more games and/or one or more gaming devices), (ii) a featurename 504 that includes a name of the particular feature, (iii) adescription 506 that contains a description (e.g., a text description)of the enhancement(s) provided by the feature to play on a gamingdevice, and (iv) category 508 that stores an indication of a group orcategory of features with which the feature may be identified.

The feature name 504, the category 508, and/or the description 506 maybe used in outputting information and messages to a player (e.g., atdisplay device 355 of the gaming device 300). For example, a player mayreceive a displayed offer; “Click here for Free Telephone Calls!”. Inanother example, the player's selection of a feature from a list ofdisplayed features of the same category 508 may cause the description506 to be displayed in a display area of a gaming device.

Referring now to FIG. 6, an exemplary tabular representation 600illustrates one embodiment of the condition database 430 (FIG. 4) thatmay be stored in the computer 400. The tabular representation 600 of thecondition database includes a number of example records or entries, eachdefining a condition that may used for determining whether a featureshould be enabled (or disabled) on a gaming device 300 by the computer400 (or the gaming device 300). Those skilled in the art will understandthat the condition database may include any number of entries.

The tabular representation 600 also defines fields for each of theentries or records. The fields specify: (i) a feature identifier 602that identifies a particular feature, and (ii) a condition for enablingfeature 604 that includes an indication of one or more requirements thatmust be satisfied in order to enable (or to keep enabled) the particularfeature.

As discussed herein, a condition for enabling feature 604 may correspondto one or more requirements for enabling a feature (and/or for keepingan enabled feature enabled). A condition may alternatively correspond toone or more requirements for disabling a feature (and/or for keeping thefeature disabled). Those skilled in the art will readily understand thata condition described as a condition for enabling a feature may suggesta condition for disabling a feature, and vice versa. For example, acondition that no more than fifty players can be playing a particulartype of slot machine in order for a particular feature to be enabled mayalso suggest a condition that the feature is to be disabled if thenumber of players exceeds fifty.

In some embodiments, however, a condition for disabling or enabling afeature may not necessarily suggest its opposite. For example, adescribed condition may indicate that a disabled feature should beenabled if ten or more players are playing video poker. However, thefeature, once enabled, may or may not be disabled if the number ofplayers playing video poker falls below ten, for example.

Various types of information and factors on which conditions may bebased are described herein, and other criteria and requirements will bereadily understood by one skilled in the art in light of the presentdisclosure. Some examples of conditions include, but are not limited to:

-   -   (i) Whether amount of revenue generated at a gaming device while        a feature is being used (e g., an amount of coin-in and/or        transaction amounts received from players in association with        offers for products/services and other transactions at the        gaming device) exceeds a predetermined minimum threshold);    -   (ii) Whether an average amount wagered by a player (or players)        while a feature is in use is greater than a historical average        wager amount of the player;    -   (iii) An identity of a player operating the gaming device (e.g.,        some features may be available only to certain players, or only        to players who use player tracking cards;    -   (iv) Past gambling activity of a player (e.g., whether the        year-to-date coin-in by a player is less than a predetermined        threshold);    -   (v) Current gambling activity (e.g., activity during a current        session, or during a current trip to a casino) of a player        (e.g., whether a current credit balance is less than a        predetermined maximum amount, or whether an average rate of play        during a current gaming session is greater than a predetermined        threshold for enabling the feature);    -   (vi) Anticipated future gambling activity of a player (e.g.,        whether a particular player (or players) is likely to stop        gambling within the next ten minutes);    -   (vii) A preference of one or more players (e.g., whether a        majority of players prefer a particular feature, or whether a        particular player has previously indicated a preference for the        feature);    -   (viii) A game that a player is currently playing (e.g., a        feature for providing an interactive tour of a game's bonus        round may be enabled if the player is currently playing a game        that is relatively new to the casino);    -   (ix) A type of gaming device a player is currently playing        (e.g., a feature may be enabled for video poker machines but not        for video blackjack machines);    -   (x) A location of the gaming device (e.g., a feature may be        enabled if the gaming device is near a door of a casino floor,        but may not be enabled if the gaming device is near a poker        room);    -   (xi) Information about the compatibility or suitability of the        feature with a game and/or with the gaming device (e.g., a        feature for providing an interactive tour of a game's bonus        round may not be enabled for a game that does not have a bonus        round, or for a gaming device offering only games without bonus        rounds);    -   (xii) A manufacturer that produces a gaming device (e.g., a        feature may only be enabled at the gaming device if the gaming        device is produced by a specific manufacturer);    -   (xiii) A developer, licensor, vendor, or other provider of a        feature (e.g., a feature may only be enabled on gaming devices        whose manufacturers have agreements with the provider of the        feature); and    -   (xiv) A developer, licensor, vendor, or other provider of a game        available on the gaming device (e.g., a game vendor may        stipulate that only certain types of feature may be enabled on        devices offering its games).

In some embodiments, the predetermined condition may be based on thetime of day. For example, a feature for providing a tour of a slotmachine may be disabled between the hours of 8 p.m. and 11 p.m.(typically peak hours for gambling), because the operator of the slotmachine is aware that players tend to operate the slot machine inregular mode during these hours anyway.

Examples of time-related predetermined conditions that may need to besatisfied before a feature is enabled on a gaming device include, butare not limited to:

-   -   (i) A period of time since an event (e.g., the feature may be        automatically disabled after a certain period of time after the        feature is initially enabled, after the feature is first used,        after the feature is used a predetermined number of times,        etc.); and    -   (ii) A time of day (e.g., the feature may be disabled during        particular times of the day).

Other appropriate time-related predetermined conditions will berecognized by one of ordinary skill in the art after reading the presentapplication. Examples of predetermined conditions related to indicationsfrom parties, that may need to be satisfied before a feature is enabledon the gaming device include, but are not limited to:

-   -   (i) Whether a signal was provided, by or on behalf of a casino        or other operator of the gaming device, indicating that the        feature should be enabled (e.g., a signal received from a casino        employee observing a player becoming bored and/or discouraged in        playing the gaming device);    -   (ii) Whether a signal was provided, by or on behalf of a        regulatory group (e.g., a state, federal, or local government        agency for regulating gambling activities), indicating that the        feature can (or must) be enabled (e.g., a signal received from a        state gaming commission indicating that the feature meets        regulatory approval); and    -   (iii) Whether a signal was provided, by or on behalf of a        provider of the feature (e.g., a game manufacturer, a patent        holder), indicating that the feature can be enabled.

Other appropriate predetermined conditions related to indicationsreceived from or otherwise provided by any of various parties will berecognized by one of ordinary skill in the art after reading the presentapplication. Note that indications such as those discussed herein may beprovided in a variety of different ways, including, but not limited to:(i) using an input device of a server computer (e-g., a keyboard); (ii)using an input device of a gaming device (e.g., a touch screen); and(iii) using a peripheral device (described in further detail herein) incommunication with a server computer and/or a gaming device.

In some embodiments, the provided indication from a party may comprisean authorization code, as discussed further herein. Examples ofpredetermined conditions related to authorization codes, that may needto be satisfied before a feature is enabled on the gaming deviceinclude, but are not limited to:

-   -   (i) Whether at least one authorization code has been provided;    -   (ii) A period of time since at least one authorization code was        provided (e.g., thirty days ago); and    -   (iii) A type of authorization code that has been provided (e.g.,        different authorization codes may enable the same feature in        different ways, such as for different periods of time).

Other appropriate predetermined conditions related to authorizationcodes will be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art afterreading the present application. Examples of predetermined conditionsrelated to information about a casino that may need to be satisfiedbefore a feature is enabled on the gaming device include, but are notlimited to:

-   -   (i) What casino operates a gaming device (e.g., a feature maybe        enabled at a first casino but is to be disabled at a second        casino, even if the casinos are commonly owned or operated and        may have access to the same features);    -   (ii) A location or jurisdiction of a casino (e.g., a feature may        be disabled within a first geographic region, such as the state        of Nevada, but enabled within a second geographic region, such        as an American Indian reservation in the state of Arizona);    -   (iii) A measure of usage of gaming devices at a casino (e.g., a        tutorial feature on how to play the bonus round on a particular        type of slot machine may be disabled if more than 90% of all        such machines are in use, as there the clear demand for the slot        machines indicates that there is no need to entice additional        players by enabling the tutorial feature); and    -   (iv) Revenue management information for a casino (e.g., one or        more conditions may be established to maximize revenue, such as        by establishing a condition that if a casino hotel is only half        fill, then a feature that offers hotel rooms to players should        be enabled).

Other appropriate predetermined conditions related to information abouta casino will be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art afterreading the present application.

Another example of a predetermined condition comprises a minimum numberof games played by a player on a gaming device. For example, it may bedetermined that it is desirable that a player playing one hundred gameson a gaming device should be rewarded by enabling a feature on thegaming device.

In another example, it may be determined whether an outcome determinedfor a player playing a game at the determined gaming device satisfies apredetermined condition for enabling a feature. For instance, a gamingdevice may determine an outcome in a manner well known in the art. Anoutcome, as used herein, comprises at least one indicia that is utilizedto inform a player of whether a benefit (e.g., a payout) has been won bythe player as a result of playing a game. In a reeled slot machine game,for example, a set of symbols displayed along a payline comprises anoutcome of a game. Some of the possible combinations of symbolsobtainable on the reeled slot machine correspond to a payout. Thus, aplayer is informed of whether he has won a payout by displaying a set ofsymbols along the payline. If the set of symbols along the paylinecorrespond to a payout (e.g., as displayed on a payout table of thereeled slot machine), then the player is informed that he has won thecorresponding payout once the set of symbols is displayed along thepayline. In a video poker gaming device, as another example, the set ofcards comprising the final hand comprises the outcome of a game.

The above examples of predetermined conditions have been provided forpurposes of illustrating various embodiments consistent with the process100D (FIG. 1D), and with some other methods for determining whether afeature should be enabled or disabled on a gaming device. Other types ofpredetermined conditions and types of information on which suchconditions may be based, are described herein.

Referring now to FIG. 7, an exemplary tabular representation 700illustrates one embodiment of the gaming device database 435 (FIG. 4)that may be stored in the computer 400. The tabular representation 700of the gaming device database includes a number of example records orentries, each defining a gaming device that may be in communication(e.g., over a LAN or WAN) with computer 400. Those skilled in the artwill understand that the gaming device database may include any numberof entries.

The tabular representation 700 also defines fields for each of theentries or records. The fields specify: (i) a gaming device identifier702 that uniquely identifies a particular gaming device (e.g., uniquelyidentifies a particular slot machine on a casino floor or a PCcommunicating with an online casino), (ii) a gaming device type 704 thatstores a description or designation of the type of gaming device, (iii)a features enabled 706 that stores an indication or identifier of one ormore features currently enabled on the gaming device, (iv) a features inuse 708 that stores an indication or identifier of one or more featurescurrently being used on the gaming device, (v) a benchmark theoreticalwin 710 that indicates a theoretical win for the gaming device (e.g., ahistorical theoretical win) , and (vi) a location 712 that stores anindication of the physical location of the particular gaming device.

The gaming device database may be used by computer 400 to, for example,communicate with one or more gaming devices and to identify a gamingdevice that data is being transmitted to or received from. For example,the computer 400 may instruct a gaming device as to which featuresshould be enabled and/or made active at the gaming device, transmit arandom number to the gaming device, transmit an indication of a featurefor use by the gaming device, update information in one or moredatabases of the gaming device, and receive information associated witha player of the gaming device (e.g., a player identifier, playerpreferences, an indication of wagers placed or number of games played bya player, an indication of duration of play by a player at the gamingdevice, etc.). Some of this information may be stored in associationwith the gaming device. For example, the gaming device may store anindication of the last time that a feature was made active on aparticular gaming device.

The gaming device type 704 stores an indication of what types of gamesare available on the particular gaming device. Such information may beused, for example, to determine whether to enable a feature on a gamingdevice. For example, in one embodiment it may be desirable that aparticular feature is not made available for use at a video blackjackmachines during particular times of day. Accordingly, the computer 400may consider whether a gaming device is a video blackjack machine andthe time of day in determining whether a feature should be enabled onthe gaming device.

The features enabled 706 stores an indication of what features arecurrently enabled for use on the particular gaming device, and thefeatures in use 708 stores an indication of what features are currentlyactive on the particular gaming device. Such information may be used,for example, to determine whether to enable a feature on a gamingdevice. For example, in one embodiment it may be desirable that a firstfeature is not made active if second feature is already active on theparticular gaming device. For instance, a rule or condition may specifythat the first feature should only be enabled if the second feature isactive on the gaming device. Further, such information may be used, forexample, to track the usage of different features. For instance,features in use 708 can be used to determine how many gaming devices aparticular feature is active on at any given time.

The benchmark theoretical win 710 stores an indication of a theoreticalwin of the gaming device that may be used, for example, as the basis fordetermining whether one or more features can be correlated to an effecton the theoretical win of a particular gaming device. For example,benchmark theoretical win 710 may be a value determined with respect toa particular period of time, such as a period of time preceding when aparticular feature was first enabled on the gaming device. A secondtheoretical win may be calculated for a period during which the featurehas been enabled. Thus, any difference between the benchmark and thetheoretical win while the feature has been enabled may be correlated tothe feature as a useful measure of performance of the feature. Forinstance, if the enabling of the feature is correlated to an increase inthe theoretical win for the gaming device, then it may be determined(e.g., by a slot server) to keep the feature enabled based on thisincreased performance. In another example, the benchmark theoretical win710 may be of a different gaming device, or may be an average for two ormore gaming devices. For instance, such benchmarks may be useful indetermining any difference in theoretical win between gaming deviceshaving different features in use, or for comparing a gaming device withno features active to one having one or more features active.

Although a benchmark theoretical win is described above with respect toa gaming device, it will be readily understood that other types ofbenchmark values may be used, in addition to or in lieu of a theoreticalwin value. For example, benchmark values may be established appropriatefor comparison with various types of measures of performance, usage,and/or profitability. Some examples of benchmark values include, but arenot limited to, a number of handle pulls per hour, a number of paylinesactivated on a slot machine, and an average wager size per handle pull.Benchmark values may also be established for information related toancillary entities (e.g., sponsors of offers made available inaccordance with a feature). Some examples include, but are not limitedto, a number of restaurant covers, an average price per check (e.g., ina restaurant), an occupancy of a showroom or theater, an average dailyroom rate at a hotel, and a percentage of rooms that are occupied in ahotel.

The gaming device location 712 stores an indication of where aparticular gaming device is located. Such information may be used, forexample, to determine whether a feature should be enabled on a gamingdevice. For example, in one embodiment it may be desirable that aparticular feature be enabled for play of one gaming device in adesignated area of a casino per predetermined period of time (e.g., atleast once every five minutes for a particular bank of slot machines).Accordingly, the computer 400 may track when the feature is enabled and,if this has not occurred within a predetermined period of time in adesignated area of a casino, the computer 400 may select a gaming devicein that area and instruct it to enable the feature for play.

Referring now to FIG. 8, an exemplary tabular representation 800illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a player database 440 (FIG. 4)that may be stored in computer 400. The tabular representation 800 ofthe player database includes a number of example records or entries,each defining a player who may be a member of a slot club of a casino orotherwise registered with or known to a casino or other entity. Thoseskilled in the art will understand that the player database may includeany number of entries.

The tabular representation 800 also defines fields for each of theentries or records. The fields specify: (i) a player identifier 802 thatuniquely identifies a player, (ii) a name 804 of a player, (iii) afinancial account identifier 806 associated with a player, (iv) anindication of comp points 808 available to a player, (v) a theoreticalwin/[loss] 810, (vi) an actual win/[loss] 812 for a player, and (vii) afeature preference(s) 814.

The information in the player database 440 may be created and updated,for example, based on information received from a player, a casinoemployee, a gaming device 230, a peripheral device 240, and/orperipheral device server 245. For example, the information may becreated when a player registers with a casino and receives a playertracking card encoded with the player identifier. The information may besubsequently updated when a player requests to update the information(e.g. when a player indicates a desire to change a preferred feature) orwhen additional information is obtained about the player via thecasino's interactions with the player (e.g. the lifetime theoretical winmay be updated on an ongoing basis as the player plays games at acasino).

The player identifier 802 may be, for example, an alphanumeric codeassociated with a player who may operate a gaming device or play a tablegame at a casino. The player identifier 802 may be generated orselected, for example, by the computer 210 or by the player (e.g., whena player first registers with a casino). For each player, the playerdatabase 440 may also store the player's name 804 (e.g., for use inoutputting messages to the player). In one or more embodiments theplayer's name may comprise a nickname or other designation for theplayer that is selected by the player or the casino. In one or moreembodiments, the nickname may comprise a designation that reflects theplayer's status (e.g., “premium player”). Such a status may indicate,for example, the typical spending range of the player or otherindication of how valuable the player is considered to be by the casino.Such a designation may or may not be known to the player.

The financial account identifier 806 (e.g., a credit card accountnumber, a debit card account number, a checking account number, a casinofinancial account number, or digital payment protocol information)associated with the player. The financial account identifier 806 may beused, for example, to credit a payment to the player (e.g., wherein abenefit obtained by the player comprises a monetary amount) and/or todebit a wager amount.

The comp points 808 stores an indication of the number of comp pointsthat a player is currently entitled to. Comp point programs are a commonmethod for a casino to reward players by awarding points to players as areward for certain gambling behavior that a casino finds desirable.Although the comp points programs differ from casino to casino, in atypical comp point program a player accumulates comp points based on (i)a total amount of coins wagered, or (ii) a total amount of coins paidout. Alternatively, comp points may be awarded based on, for example,(i) the length of time or a number of game plays at a gaming device ortable game; (ii) the average wager of a player; and/or (iii) for playinga particular gaming device or group of gaming devices. As the playeraccumulates comp points the player may exchange some or all of the comppoints for goods or services specified by the comp point program. Forexample, a player may exchange 800 comp points for a dinner at a casinorestaurant. As the player exchanges comp points for a good or servicethe exchanged comp points are deducted from the player's comp pointbalance reflected in field 808 of tabular representation 800. In somecomp point programs the rewards are defined in terms of dollar amountsrather than points. In yet other comp point programs the points areexchangeable into dollar amounts based on a schedule defined by thecasino, allowing the player to convert the accumulated points intodollar amounts and then use the dollar amounts to purchase goods orservices from the casino.

The theoretical win/[loss] 810 stores an indication of the theoreticalwin of the casino based on the playing activity of the player since theplaying activity of the player has been tracked. In other words, thehistorical theoretical win/[loss] 810 may be a “lifetime” theoreticalwin. In other embodiments a historical theoretical win/[loss] based onother periods of time may be stored in addition to or instead of thelifetime historical theoretical win/[loss]. For example, an annual orsession theoretical win/[loss] may be stored. The actual win/[loss] 812stores an indication of the actual dollar amount that the correspondingplayer has won or lost while gambling at the casino. A casino loss isindicated in brackets in the tabular representation 800.

In some embodiments of the present invention, a determination of whetherto enable a feature on a gaming device and/or whether to offer toactivate a feature for a player may be based on the theoreticalwin/[loss] and/or actual win/[loss] of the player playing the game. Forexample, using the process 100D, in step 165 it may be determined if twopredetermined conditions have been satisfied: (i) that a player's actualwin/[loss] is a loss of at least a predetermined value (assuming, forthis example, that the win/[loss] is calculated for a particular gamingsession); and (ii) that the gaming device at which the player is playingis compatible with the feature. Satisfaction of these two predeterminedconditions may correspond to enabling the feature for use on theplayer's gaming device.

It should be understood that although a player identifier andinformation related to each registered player is described in detail, aplayer need not be registered in order to be able to use featuresenabled on a gaming device. Accordingly, registration of a player andstoring of information related to a player is not necessary for practiceof the present invention.

The feature preference(s) 814 store one or more preferences for afeature. For example, a preference may be that a particular feature isenabled on whatever gaming device the player is playing. Such playerpreferences may be provided by the player directly. For example, aplayer may tell a casino employee, who may in turn enter an indicationof the preference to the player database. In another example, a playermay be prompted by a gaming device 230 to store a current configurationof one or more features as a feature preference. Alternatively, a playerpreference may be determined indirectly. For example, a casino employeemay observe a player's reaction and decide that the player really doesnot like a particular feature or that a player really enjoys aparticular type of offer that may be provided in accordance with one ormore features. In another example of how a player preference may bedetermined indirectly, a player's gambling behavior may be tracked todetermine whether a player continues to keep playing for an extendedperiod of time or stops playing shortly after a particular feature ismade active.

According to some embodiments, some or all of the exemplary informationdepicted in FIG. 8 may be stored on a player tracking card. For example,an indication of one or more feature preferences of a player may bestored on a player tracking card and accessed by one or more gamingdevices 230, peripheral device server 245, another peripheral device240, and/or computer 210.

Referring now to FIG. 9A, an exemplary tabular representation 900Aillustrates an exemplary embodiment of a performance database 445 (FIG.4) that may be stored in computer 400. The tabular representation 900Aof the performance database includes a number of example records orentries, each defining a gaming session of a player at a gaming device.Those skilled in the art will understand that the performance databasemay include any number of entries.

The tabular representation 900A also defines fields for each of theentries or records. The fields specify: (i) a session identifier 902that uniquely identifies a session of gaming activity by a player, (ii)a gaming device identifier 904 that identifies a gaming device at whichthe player's gaining activity takes place, (iii) a player identifier 906that identifies a player participating in the gaming session, (iv) alength of session 908 that includes an indication of the duration of theparticular gaming session, (v) a total coin-in 910 that indicates atotal amount wagered by the player during the session, (vi) a sessiontheoretical win per minute 912, (vii) an increase in theoretical win perminute 914 that indicates a difference between the session theoreticalwin per win and a particular benchmark value (e.g., benchmarktheoretical win 710 of FIG. 7), and (viii) an active features 916 thatindicates one or more features that are or were active during theparticular session.

The information in this exemplary embodiment of the performance database440 may be created and updated, for example, based on informationreceived from a player, a casino employee, a gaming device 230, aperipheral device 240, and/or peripheral device server 245. For example,the information may be created when a player inserts his player trackingcard at a gaming device 230 (e.g., a new session entry may be createdwhenever a player is first identified at a gaming device). Theinformation may be updated subsequently when additional information isobtained about the player via the player's interactions with the gamingdevice during a session. For example, the total coin-in, and indicationsof the active features may be updated on an ongoing basis as the playerplaces wagers at the gaming device and selects different features. Inanother example, the session theoretical win per minute (and theincrease in theoretical win per minute) may be updated on an ongoingbasis during a session (or, alternatively, only at the end of a session)based on the player's wagering.

Information stored this exemplary embodiment of the performance database445 may be used in making various determinations for managing features.In some embodiments of the present invention, a determination of whetherto enable or disable a feature on a gaming device, and/or whether tooffer to activate a feature for a player, may be based on the totalcoin-in, session theoretical win per minute and/or the increase intheoretical win per minute. For example, using the process 100B, in step135, the determination of whether to disable one or more enabledfeatures may be based on a measure of performance such as the totalcoin-in, the session theoretical win per minute, and/or the increase intheoretical win per minute. If the increase in theoretical win perminute is greater than a predetermined value, the enabled features mayremain enabled. Otherwise, they may be disabled. Note that such adetermination need not take place during the player's session, but mayoccur at any time (e.g., in accordance with a schedule for managing thefeatures of the system).

It should be understood that the sessions depicted in the tabularrepresentation 900A are for illustrative purposes only. In someembodiments, a player's session may include information about play ofmore than one gaming device, and may include information about one ormore periods of time in which the player was not playing a gaming device(e.g., the session may correspond to an entire week stay at a casinohotel). FIG. 9C, for example, depicts exemplary information representinga player's trip to a casino, and is discussed in detail below.

Referring now to FIG. 9B, an exemplary tabular representation 900Billustrates another exemplary embodiment of a performance database 445(FIG. 4) that may be stored in computer 400. The tabular representation900B of the performance database includes a number of example records orentries, each defining a gaming session in which an exemplary feature“Free Telephone Calls” was used. Those skilled in the art willunderstand that the performance database may include any number ofentries.

The tabular representation 90013 also defines fields for each of theentries or records. The fields specify: (i) a session identifier 920that uniquely identifies a session in which the exemplary feature wasused, (ii) a length of session 922 that includes an indication of theduration of the particular gaming session, (iii) a coin-in per minute924 that indicates the total coin-in for the session averaged on a perminute basis, (iv) a session theoretical win per minute 926, (v) a totalcost of calls 928 that indicates a cost of providing the “Free TelephoneCalls” during the session, and (vi) a net theoretical profit fromsession 930 that indicates a difference between the costs incurred inproviding the feature and the session theoretical win.

As discussed above with respect to the tabular representation 900A ofFIG. 9A, the information in this exemplary embodiment of the performancedatabase 440 may be created and updated, for example, based oninformation received from a player, a casino employee, a gaming device230, a peripheral device 240, and/or peripheral device server 245.Similarly, information may be created at the start of a session (e.g.,when a player inserts his player tracking card at a gaming device 230),and may be updated subsequently (e.g., as the player uses the feature tomake telephone calls, thereby incurring costs to the system and possiblyaffecting the net theoretical profit of the session).

Various types of information represented in this exemplary embodimentmay be used in managing features for gaming devices. For example, thelength of session 922 may be helpful as a measure of usage (e.g., indetermining whether to keep the feature enabled, in determining whetherto enable the feature on additional gaming devices, in determining anamount due to a provider of the feature).

As discussed variously herein, a measure of profitability of a gamingdevice (e.g., based on revenue generated at the gaming device) can beuseful in managing features on the gaming device (e.g., in determiningwhether to enable or disable certain features). Note that the particularfeature “Free Telephone Calls” incurs a cost (e.g., to the casinoproviding the telephone service) when it is used by players.Accordingly, a measure of performance of a gaming device and/or of afeature may be based on information about costs of the feature itself(e.g., how profitable it is to provide the feature in light of itsassociated costs).

Referring now to FIG. 9C, an exemplary tabular representation 900Cillustrates another exemplary embodiment of a performance database 445(FIG. 4) that may be stored in computer 400. The tabular representation900C of the performance database includes a number of example records orentries, each defining a trip or visit of a player to a casino. Thoseskilled in the art will understand that the performance database mayinclude any number of entries.

The tabular representation 900C also defines fields for each of theentries or records. The fields specify: (i) a trip identifier 940 thatuniquely identifies a trip or visit of a player to a gamingestablishment (e.g., a casino hotel), (ii) a player identifier 942 thatidentifies the particular player, (iii) a benchmark trip theoretical win946, (iv) a trip theoretical win 948, and (v) a percentage of play withenabled feature(s) 950. Information in this exemplary embodiment may becreated and/or updated as discussed herein with respect to otherdescribed embodiments of the performance database 445.

The trip theoretical win 948 and benchmark trip theoretical win 946 maybe used, in a manner similar to that described above with respect toFIG. 9A, to determine a measure of performance of one or more features.The percentage of play with enabled features 950 may be useful as ameasure of a player's usage of features generally during a trip, indetermining whether or not to change the features enabled for use ongaming devices. In addition, information about how much of the time aplayer plays with one or more features enabled may be useful indetermining what types of features to offer to the player or to makeavailable for selection by the player. For example, a player that tendsto spend more time playing with features enabled may be more willing toaccept an offer to try a feature in exchange for a fee.

Referring now to FIGS. 9D-9E, an exemplary tabular representation 900Dillustrates another exemplary embodiment of a performance database 445(FIG. 4) that may be stored in computer 400. The tabular representation900D of the performance database includes a number of example records orentries, each defining an offer that was made to a player during asession in accordance with one or more active features. Those skilled inthe art will understand that the performance database may include anynumber of entries.

The tabular representation 900D also defines fields for each of theentries or records. The fields specify: (i) a session identifier 960that identifies a session of gaming activity by a player, (ii) a gamingdevice identifier 962 that identifies a gaming device at which the offerwas provided in accordance with one or more features, (iii) a playeridentifier 964 that identifies a player who received the offer, (iv) anoffer 966 that includes an indication (e.g. a description, an offermessage) of the offer provided to the player, (v) an accepted 968 thatindicates whether the offer was accepted, (vi) an active features 970that indicates one or more features that were active when the offer wasprovided, (vii) a cost to offer sponsor 972 that indicates a costincurred by a sponsor of the offer, (viii) a payment to player 974 thatindicates a value of a product, service, or benefit provided to aplayer, (ix) a payment to casino 975 that indicates value provided to acasino operating the gaming device at which the offer was made, and (x)a payment to manufacturer 976 that indicates a value provided to amanufacturer of a gaming device, feature, or game.

Information in this exemplary embodiment may be created and/or updatedas discussed herein with respect to other described embodiments of theperformance database 445. For example, the information may be createdwhen an offer is communicated to a player in accordance with an activefeature.

Some features may enhance play of a gaming device by offering one ormore products or services to a player (e.g., in response to particulargame events, such as the player winning a payout, or the player pushinga “CASH OUT” button). Some such offers may be sponsored by one or moresponsors. For example, FIGS. 9D-9E depicts an exemplary offer made to aplayer “P-568249”: “$30 TO SWITCH LONG DISTANCE TO BIGTEL CO.” Theplayer accepted the offer, which may have been made, in accordance withfeature “FEAT-07”, after a player had wagered a predetermined amount ata slot machine without achieving a winning outcome. The payment toplayer 974 indicates that the amount of $30 was provided to the player(e.g., by increasing the player's credit balance by $30). In addition,$3 was provided in payment to casino 975, and $2 was provided as paymentto manufacturer 976. For example, the sponsor of the offer may have anagreement with the casino that the sponsor will pay the casino a fee(e.g., $3) for each player that accepts its offer. Similarly, thesponsor may agree to pay a $2 to the manufacturer of the feature foreach player that accepts the offer. The cost to offer sponsor 972indicates that the total cost to the sponsor for the accepted offer was$35. Note that the sponsor may value the player, who has agreed toswitch long distance telephone service, in excess of the cost to thesponsor of providing the $35 in benefits and fees to the player andother parties.

Information represented in this exemplary embodiment of the performancedatabase 445 may be used in making various determinations for managingfeatures. In some embodiments of the present invention, a determinationof whether to enable or disable a feature on a gaming device, and/orwhether to offer to activate a feature for a player, may be based on thenumber of offers made in accordance with the feature that have beenaccepted. Thus, the number of accepted offers (or the percentage ofoffers made that were accepted, etc.) may be a useful measure ofperformance and/or usage of the feature. For example, a feature thatprovides offers with a low rate of acceptance may be disabled as it maybe distracting or annoying to players.

Referring now to FIG. 10, an exemplary tabular representation 1000illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a alternate payout database 450(FIG. 4) that may be stored in computer 400. The tabular representation1000 of the alternate payout database includes a number of examplerecords or entries, each defining an outcome determined during a gamingsession. Those skilled in the art will understand that the playerdatabase may include any number of entries.

The tabular representation 1000 also defines fields for each of theentries or records. The fields specify: (i) session information 1002that includes information about the session in which the outcomesoccurred (e.g., a session identifier that identifies the session, anindication of the features (if any) active when the outcome wasdetermined), (ii) an outcome identifier 1004 that uniquely identifiesthe particular outcome achieved during the session, (iii) an outcome1006 that includes an indication of the outcome (e.g., a description ofa reel symbol combination or a band of cards), and (iv) a payout 1008that indicates a payout or other benefit determined during the sessionbased on the outcome. The fields further specify alternative payouts1010, 1012, and 1014 that would have been received by a player, based onthe determined outcome, if features “FEAT-12”, “FEAT-14”, and “FEAT-16”had been active, respectively.

The information in this exemplary embodiment of the alternative payoutdatabase 450 may be created and updated, for example, based oninformation received from a player, a casino employee, a gaming device230, a peripheral device 240, and/or peripheral device server 245. Forexample, the information may be created when a player begins playing agaming device, or when a player begins a gaming session. The informationmay be updated subsequently when additional information is obtainedabout the player via the player's interactions with the gaming deviceduring a session. For example, the outcomes received and the payoutsprovided may be updated on an ongoing basis as the player plays a gameat a gaining device. In another example, the alternative payouts may bedetermined and updated on an ongoing basis during a session based oninformation about various features (e.g., based on alternate payouttable that is associated with a feature), such as may be stored infeature database 425.

The exemplary information depicted in the tabular representation 1000shows three outcomes received during a session “SESS-25” while nofeatures were active. The sample entry for “BELL-BELL-ORANGE” indicatesthat a payout of “0” (e.g., no coins paid out) was associated with thatoutcome during the session. However, if the player had been using“FEAT-12” (e.g., a feature providing for a reverse payout mode), thepayout the player would have earned for the same outcome is “1” (e.g.,one coin).

Information in the alternative payout database may be used, for example,to indicate to a player the advantages of activating a particularfeature. For example, a message may be displayed to a player: “If youwere playing in Reverse Mode, you would have won a coin! Would you liketo activate Reverse Mode now?” In another example, such informationcould be used to determine a total payout that a player might havereceived during a session, over a number of plays of a game, and/orduring a period of time, if a particular feature (or features) had beenenabled. Indications of how profitable a feature may be (or could havebeen) to a player may be advantageous in encouraging players to usevarious features.

e.g. Referring now to FIG. 11A, an embodiment 1100A of a plan view of agaming device 230 is illustrated. In the embodiment 1100A, the gamingdevice 230 comprises a five reel slot machine. The slot machine 1100Acomprises a display area 1105 in which an outcome for a game of the slotmachine is displayed to the player. The display area 1105 may, forexample, be a video display that displays simulations of reels. Thedisplay area 1105 may, in another example, be glass behind which arelocated mechanical reels. Display area 1105 is an exemplary embodimentof the display device 355, described with respect to FIG. 3.

The slot machine 1100A also comprises a display area 1110 in whichinformation about one or more features, such as descriptions offeatures, is displayed to the player. The display area 1110 may, forexample, be a video display that displays images and/or text. Displayarea 1110 is another exemplary embodiment of the display device 355,described with respect to FIG. 3.

The slot machine 1100A further comprises a display area 1118 in whichimages or text indicating available features for play of the slotmachine 110 are displayed to the player. The display area 1118 may, forexample, be a video display that displays images and/or text, and thatmay include a touch screen. A highlighted indication of a feature 1172is displayed in display area 118. Display area 1118 is another exemplaryembodiment of the display device 355, described with respect to FIG. 3.

Slot machine 1100A further comprises a handle 1120. A player mayinitiate the movement of the reels in display area 1105 by pulling onthe handle 1120. Alternatively, a player may initiate the movement ofthe reels in display 1105 by actuating the start button 1125. Either orboth of handle 1120 and start button 1125 are exemplary embodiments ofthe input device 365, described with respect to FIG. 3.

Slot machine 1100A also comprises a player tracking device 1130, whichis an example of the player tracking device 360 that was described withrespect to FIG. 3. The player tracking device 360 may comprise a playertracking card reader and a display (e.g., an LED display) for outputtinginformation related to the player identifier (e.g., player's name andnumber of comp points associated with player's account).

Also a component of slot machine 1100A is another display area 1135, foroutputting information to a player. The display area 1135 may beutilized, for example, to inform a player of which features arecurrently active on the slot machine 1100A and/or may provide a way forthe player to deactivate an active feature. The display area 1135 may,for example, be a video display including a touch screen. Display area1135 is another exemplary embodiment of the display device 355,described with respect to FIG. 3.

Payment system 1140, an exemplary embodiment of payment system 375,comprises a bill acceptor/a credit card reader 1150, and a coin acceptor1155. A player may utilize payment system 1140 to provide a wager forplaying a game and/or for providing payment for provision of a featureavailable on slot machine 1100A.

Slot machine 1100A further comprises a credit meter balance 1160, whichis an exemplary embodiment of a benefit output device 350 that wasdescribed with respect to FIG. 3. The credit meter balance reflects theamount of electronic credits currently available to a player. Theelectronic credits may be used by a player, for example, as wagers forgames played on the gaming device. The electronic credits may also be“cashed out” as coins, bills, tokens, a cashless gaming receipt, and/orcredits to another financial account associated with the player.

The slot machine 1100A includes yet another display area, display area1165, which displays a payout schedule of the slot machine 1100A. Thepayout schedule displays payouts that correspond to various outcomesobtainable on the slot machine 1100A. In one or more embodiments, if anoutcome is displayed in display area 1105 that, as indicated in displayarea 1165, corresponds to a payout, the credit meter balance 1160 may beincreased by an amount of electronic credits corresponding to thepayout.

Finally, the slot machine 1100A comprises a coin tray 1170. Payment tothe player may be rendered by dispensing coins into the coin tray 1170.Such coins may be dispensed based on, for example, a player's indicationthat the player would like to cash out his credit meter balance and/or apayout obtained by a player as a result of playing a game on the slotmachine 1100A. The coin tray 1100A is an exemplary embodiment of thebenefit output device 350, described with respect to FIG. 3. Note thatslot machine 1100A may include different and/or additional componentsbesides those illustrated in FIG. 11A.

Other exemplary embodiments of a slot machine are depicted in FIGS.11B-11K. FIG. 11B includes an exemplary display area 1110 indicating alist 1174 of the “Top 3 Features” for a day (e.g., the three mostcommonly selected features for that day). Of course, other types offeatures or categories of features may be displayed.

FIG. 11C includes a display area 1118 that includes a list of featurecategories. Categories for features, as well as other types ofinformation related to features, are described variously herein. Anexemplary highlighted category 1176 is depicted, and a correspondingdescription is displayed in display area 1110. FIG. 11D depicts threeicons corresponding to respective features in display area 1118. Adescription for a highlighted icon 1178 is provided in display area1110.

FIG. 11E depicts an exemplary slot machine 1100E displaying a message ondisplay 1110 that invites a player to select a feature. Exemplarydisplay area 1118 indicates various available features, some of whichare emphasized by the use of particular fonts and sizes. Display area1135 indicates that no features are currently active on this slotmachine.

FIGS. 11F and 11H depict display area 1118 as including two or morepartitions or windows for representing various types of information. Forexample, FIG. 11F includes two lists, one of most popular features, andone of most profitable features (e.g., those features that duringprevious play would have provided (or did provide) the largest payouts).FIG. 11H includes in display area 1118 three overlapping partitionsproviding different types of information. Various types of displayareas, including partitions and other “windowed” viewing areas, aredescribed in further detail herein.

FIG. 11G depicts an exemplary slot machine 1100G that includesinformation in display area 1118 listing features that would have beenmost profitable for a player within the last thirty minutes, had theybeen enabled. Display area 1110 provides information to the playerexplaining the list of features.

FIG. 11I depicts an exemplary slot machine 1100I that includes apartition or display area 1186 for providing a scrolling display ofinformation about payouts received by players, and a feature that wasactive when the payout was received. Such information may be useful tosome players in deciding whether to not they want to activate aparticular feature.

According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, a gamingdevice may display a message to a player. For example, as depicted indisplay area 1110 of FIG. 11J, a message may be output to a player toconfirm that a player wants to activate a feature and/or to confirm thata player understands what a feature does. Virtual buttons 1188 may beused to accept input from the player in response to the message.

FIG. 11K depicts an exemplary slot machine 1100K. Display area 1110provides an instruction to the player to review the payout table 1165 inorder to learn about the differences between the three highlightedfeatures 1190 that the player is considering.

As discussed herein, features may be represented, indicated, ordisplayed to a player in a variety of ways, including, but not limitedto, text, icons, images, and animation. For example, as depicted inexemplary slot machine 1100A, a feature may be represented by names,nicknames, or other descriptive identifiers for the feature (e.g.,“Auto-Play Mode”, “Jackpot Only”). Features may also be indicated byicons or other graphics, images, or pictures. For example, a “JackpotOnly” feature may be represented by a picture of a pay table havingzeros on all lines except for a jackpot line. Features may also berepresented by animated images. For example, an animated image for an“Auto-Play” feature may show a picture of a player watching a slotmachine play itself automatically. Other ways of displaying informationabout features to a player at a gaming device will be recognized by oneof ordinary skill in the art after reading the present application.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, a slot machineor other gaming device may include multiple video screens, or multiple“windows” or partitioned display areas represented on a single videoscreen. For example, the slot machine 1100A depicted in FIG. 11Aincludes display areas 1105, 1110, and 1118. Each display area may beused for displaying various types of information, including informationabout features. For example, as depicted in FIG. 11A, the display area1105 displays slot machine reels and is used to indicate outcomes duringgames played on the slot machine. The display area 1118 is used todisplay and select features that may be activated on the slot machine,and display area 1135 may be used to display what features are currentlyactivated.

As will be recognized by those skilled in the art, a video displayscreen may be subdivided into one or more movable partitions (a.k.a.“windows”) and an immovable partition (a.k.a. “a desktop”). Each windowmay be a different partition, and it may be possible to have partitionsoverlap (i.e., a first partition may obscure some or all of a secondpartition). For example, as depicted in FIG. 11D, display area 1118 maybe used to display one or more separate partitions 1180 for displayinginformation about different types of features. Partitions may be onseparate video screens. For example, a slot machine that has two videomonitors may have three partitions: two partitions on the first monitorand a third partition on the second monitor. In some embodiments, afirst partition may obscure a portion of a second partition. Forexample, the partitions 1184 in display area 1118 of the slot machine1100H may be organized into layers that may overlap, as depicted in FIG.11H.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, features may becategorized based on various factors, including, but not limited to: (i)functionality (e.g., the type of enhancement provided), (ii) usageinformation, (iii) game information (e.g., information about one or moregames in which the feature was active), (iv) whether a feature is activeor inactive, and (v) suitability of a feature (e.g., for use with aparticular gaming device, for use in enhancing a particular game). Othertypes of information useful for categorizing features will be recognizedby one of ordinary skill in the art after reading the presentapplication. Further, it will be understood that one feature may beassociated with more than one category (e.g., a category may belong to afirst category based on its functionality and may belong a secondcategory based on its rank of profitability to players within the lasthour). An indication of a category of feature may be stored, forexample, in feature database 425.

In some embodiments, a category may include features that have resultedin recent jackpots (e.g., during the current day), features that haveresulted in the largest jackpots (e.g., within a period of time),features that are most popular (e.g., a “Top 10” list of features thatare most commonly selected by other players), features that are mostcommonly selected by a particular player (e.g., a “Favorites” list offeatures), and features that were previously selected by a player (e.g.,a “Feature History” grouping of features used by a player in a previousgaming session).

As discussed herein, some features may be categorized or grouped (e.g.,for display at a gaming device) based on whether they are currentlyactive (or currently inactive). For example, display area 1135 of FIG.11A indicates that two features (“Beginner Mode” and “Fractional Bets”)are currently active.

Determinations as to which category a feature may be associated with maybe made by players, casino representatives, and/or the computer 210, forexample. A player may indicate that a feature should be placed in acertain category (e.g., by using a pointer device to drag an icon forthe feature to a displayed list of features, by selecting a categoryoption from a displayed menu of items). Alternatively, the computer 400may analyze a feature to determine one or more properties of thefeature. Based on these properties, the controller may categorize thefeature (e.g., in the feature database 425).

In some embodiments, features may be categorized based on informationabout their suitability for use in at least one particular game, on aparticular type of gaming device, or with one or more other features asdiscussed herein. Similarly, features may be categorized base on theirrecommended use or uses. For example, a feature may only be available onslot machines and pachinko machines, not on video poker machines, andnot recommended for video blackjack machines. Accordingly, a casinoserver or other system controller may categorize “Auto-Play Mode” as“unsuitable for video poker” or as a “slot machine feature” (e.g., inthe feature database 425).

A feature may be indicated at a gaming device in a variety of ways. Forexample, different visual cues may be used to indicate what category afeature belongs in. Examples of ways in which indications of a featuremay vary include, but are not limited to: (i) color (e.g., icons forpopular (“hot”) features may be shown in red, while less popular(“cool”) features may be shown in blue); font (e.g., features thatprovide supplementary benefits may be in bold, while features thatinvolve team play may be in italics); highlighting (e.g., activefeatures may be highlighted, whereas unselected features may not behighlighted); order (e.g., outcome-enhancing features may be listedfirst, followed by team-play features, etc.).

Other examples of different ways features may be represented at adisplay device of a gaming device include the use of separate display“windows” or other types of display areas. For example, a first windowmay show jackpot-enhancing features, a second window may show team-playfeatures, and a third window may show meta-game features. In a secondexample, a first window may show selected features and a second set ofwindows may show unselected features. Headers, footers, and sidebars mayalso be used to display information about different types of features.Also, the location of an indication related to a feature may varyaccording to the category or status of the feature, for example. Forinstance, a player activates a feature, an icon representing the featuremay be moved from a displayed list of unselected features (e.g., in afirst display area) to a list of selected features (e.g., in a seconddisplay area). In another example, an audio signal may be used toindicate a feature. For example, whenever a player selects team playfeature, a crowd noise sound may be output by a slot machine. In asecond example, an audio message may be communicated (e.g., via an audiospeaker) to a player, such as: “Bonus round features include: ‘FireflyBonus Round’, ‘Paul Bunyan Bonus Round’, ‘Double Dare Bonus’, and ‘WildHorses Bonus’ . . . ”

In some embodiments, features may be organized and displayed inhierarchical menus (e.g., based on categories). Using hierarchical menusmay enable a player to more quickly navigate and select his favoritefeatures (e.g., from a plurality of features).

According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, asdiscussed herein, a player may select at least one feature to beactivated and/or enabled on a gaming device. According to oneembodiment, this may be done using one or more input devices associatedwith a gaming device (e.g., a touch screen of the slot machine 1100A).As will be readily understood by one skilled in the art, a player mayselect a feature for use in a variety of different ways, including, butnot limited to:

-   -   (i) Clicking icons. For example, a player may use a touch screen        or other input device to click on an icon represented a feature        to select the feature. Alternatively, a user may “double click”        an icon (e.g., using a computer mouse as an input device) to        select a feature (i.e., click on an icon twice in quick        succession). Note that “clicking” may correspond to a player        pressing a button (e.g., pressing a button associated with a        trackball or on a computer mouse). Alternatively, “clicking” may        correspond to an alternate method of activating an input device        (e.g., touching a region of a touch screen for a short period of        time).    -   (ii) Dragging and/or dropping displayed objects. For example,        features may be represented by icons. A player may “click and        drag” an icon from a first area of a video screen to a second        area of the video screen (e.g., by using a pointer device). Upon        “dropping” the icon in the second area, the feature represented        by the icon may be selected for use. For example, a player may        drag-and-drop a feature from a window filled with unselected        features into a displayed sidebar (e.g., the display area 1118)        that only holds selected features.    -   (iii) Identifying a feature. For example, a player may select a        feature by uniquely identifying the feature in some way. For        example, a player may use a keyboard or touch screen to type in        the name of a feature.

According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, a gamingdevice may output information about at least one feature to a player.Any of the display areas of the slot machine 1100A, for example, may beused to output information about at least one feature to a player. Asdepicted in FIG. 11A, display area 1100 includes a description of ahighlighted feature 1172. This information may be helpful in allowingthe player to understand at least one feature, in helping a player toselect at least one feature, or in motivating a player to select atleast one feature. Examples of information that may be output regardinga feature include, but are not limited to: text, video, audio,interactive tutorial, payout table, and/or historical data. For example,a paragraph describing a feature may be displayed to a player, asdepicted in display area 1110 of FIG. 11A. In another example, afull-motion video about a feature may be displayed to a player. In aanother example, an animated movie may show a player how to use afeature. In yet another example, a gaming device may play a recordingdescribing how to use a feature. In yet another example, a video screenmay display an interactive tutorial (e.g., enabled using a website withhyperlinks or a DVD player) describing how to use a feature. Accordingto some embodiments, a feature may affect payout values for a gamingdevice. In such an embodiment, an altered payout table may be displayedto a player. Alternatively other information may be displayed to theplayer indicating how payouts are altered if a feature is enabled. Inyet another example, a gaming device may display a bar graph showingwhich features have been most popular and most profitable over the last24 hours. In a second example, as described herein, the computer 400 maydetermine what outcomes and prizes a player would have won if he hadbeen using a feature during his previous thirty minutes of game play. Insome cases, a player may find that if he had been using a differentfeature or features during the last hour, he would have achieved adifferent prize (e.g., winning money instead of losing money).

According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, a gamingdevice may display a message to a player. For example, as depicted indisplay area 1110 of FIG. 1100J, a message may be output to a player toconfirm that a player wants to activate a feature and/or to confirm thata player understands what a feature does. Virtual buttons 1188 may beused to accept input from the player in response to the message.Messages and alerts may be output to a player for a variety of differentreasons. For example, an alert may be displayed to indicate that aselection has been made (e.g., “You have selected ‘Jackpot Only Mode’).In another example, a prompt may be displayed to confirm a selection ordeselection made by a player. For example, a player may select a feature“Firefly Bonus Round”. To confirm the player's selection, a prompt maybe displayed to the player “Are you sure that you want to select FireflyBonus Round?” The player may then respond to the prompt by pressing abutton on a touch screen. In yet another example, an alert may bedisplayed indicating that a player has made a disallowed selection. Forexample, a player may attempt simultaneously select “Firefly BonusRound” and the same time as “Paul Bunyan Bonus Round”. The controllermay determine that these two features are not compatible and display amessage to a player, “Sorry, you can't play ‘Firefly Bonus Round’ and‘Paul Bunyan Bonus Round’ at the same time. Please deselect one of thesefeatures.” Also, a message or alert may be communicated to a playerbased on an impending expiration of a feature, such as a feature thatmay have been selected (or purchased) for activation for a particularperiod of time (e.g., “Auto-Play Mode will expire in two minutes—Wouldyou like to extend this mode?”).

According to some embodiments, a message may be displayed to a playerusing a partition. For example, a pop-up window, a header, a footer,and/or a sidebar. A new partition may be created on a video screen andthis partition may display a message to a player. According to oneembodiment, the partition may be closed, removed, or hidden in responseto an indication by the player. In another example, a footer on a videoscreen may be reserved to display messages and alert to a player basedon the player's current activities.

In some embodiments, a message may have an audio component. Examples mayinclude: a ‘beep’ sound that is output anytime a message is displayed ona video screen, a buzzer sound that may be output when a player selectstwo features that are incompatible, a message may be output in audioform only and may not have a video component (e.g. a player who selects“Jackpot Only Mode” may hear a recorded message “You have selectedJackpot Only Mode.”), and a revving automobile engine sound may beoutput when a player indicates that he would like to start playing agame with the current features enabled.

In some embodiments, a message may be output to a player in response toa trigger. According to some embodiments, a trigger may be any event,condition, stimulus relating to an indication by a player or a gamingdevice being operated by a player. Examples of triggers may include:selecting or deselecting a feature (e.g., a message may be displayedwhen a player selects a feature and the content of the message may bebased on the feature selected), opening or closing a partition (e.g., analert may be displayed when a player attempts to close or terminate apartition), sorting features (e.g., a message may be displayed “Featureshave been sorted according to popularity, with the most popular featureslisted first.”), triggers relating to game play, and/or a player makesan indication using an input device (e.g., a player may press a “Lock”button on a slot machine and in response to this indication, the slotmachine may display a message “This slot machine has been locked. Tounlock, please enter your key code and press the ‘Enter’ button.”)

According to one or more alternative embodiments, a player may save alist of his favorite features on his player tracking card so that hedoes not have to re-enter his selections (e.g., after he takes a breakfrom gambling or moves to another slot machine). This way, all theplayer has to do to select features on a slot machine is insert hisplayer tracking card—all his favorite features will be automaticallyselected on the slot machine.

1. A method comprising: providing play of a game at a gaming device, inwhich play of the game is provided in accordance with a first mode ofoperation; displaying a plurality of selectable indications to a playerat a gaming device, in which each selectable indication corresponds to afeature for modifying operation of the gaming device; receiving anindication of at least one feature selected by the player; determining asecond mode of operation based on the at least one feature selected bythe player; and providing play of the game in accordance with the secondmode of operation. 2-20. (canceled)